# shortage

/ˈʃɔɹtədʒ/ (US) · /ʃˈɔːtɪdʒ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/shortage
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

a situation where there is not enough of something that people need. You use this when the supply of things like food, water, or workers is too low.

For teachers: a state in which the quantity available of a specific resource or commodity is insufficient to meet demand. Often used in economic or logistical contexts to describe a deficit in supply.

## Examples

- The city is facing a serious water shortage this summer.
- A sudden shortage of skilled nursing staff has forced the local hospital to delay several non-urgent surgeries.
- Economists warn that the prolonged semiconductor shortage could stifle innovation across the automotive sector and lead to significant price hikes for consumers.

## Pitfalls

- Not "a shortage about food" but "a shortage of food" — The noun shortage takes the preposition 'of' to indicate what is lacking.

## Usage notes

- Commonly followed by the preposition 'of' to specify the missing resource.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.