Definition

A situation where there is not enough of something that is needed or wanted.

Example

The city is facing a shortage of affordable housing.

Conversation

Have you heard about the shortage of certain foods at the store?

Yeah, I noticed that too; it’s been hard to find some things lately.

I hope it’s not going to last long, or we might have to change our meal plans.

I know, right? Let’s keep an eye on the news to see when it gets better.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Shortage → It is formed from "short" (from Old English *sceort*, meaning brief or limited in length) and "-age" (a suffix used to form nouns indicating a state or condition). The word "shortage" refers to the state of being short or having less than what is needed.

Memory Tip

Think of something being 'brief' or 'limited' ('short') and the '-age' indicating a state. This helps you remember that a shortage means a state of having less than what is required.

Visually Confused Words