shortage

noun

short·​age ˈshȯr-tij How to pronounce shortage (audio)
Synonyms of shortagenext
: lack, deficit

Synonyms of shortage

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Examples of shortage in a Sentence

there was a troubling shortage of supplies for the troops overseas this year
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Courses around here are starting to not allow riders due to cart shortages because so many women want to ride along. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026 But experts say the costs of the fertilizer shortage will be largely shouldered by farmers. — Joe Hernandez, NPR, 3 July 2026 Ukraine has struggled with shortages of Patriot missiles in recent months. — Gleb Garanich, USA Today, 2 July 2026 Crimea, which Russia illegally annexed from Ukraine in 2014, has faced the worst fuel shortages. — ABC News, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for shortage

Word History

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shortage was in 1868

Phrases Containing shortage

Rhymes for shortage

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Browse Nearby Words

short account
shortage
short and
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Cite this Entry

“Shortage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shortage. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

shortage

noun
short·​age ˈshȯrt-ij How to pronounce shortage (audio)
: a lack in the amount needed : deficit
a shortage of cash
a gasoline shortage

More from Merriam-Webster on shortage

Nglish: Translation of shortage for Spanish Speakers

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