undersupply
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˌʌndərˈsʌplaɪ/
KK: /ʌndərsəˈplaɪ/
noun
Definition
A situation where there is not enough of something that is needed or expected.
Example
The undersupply of water in the region has caused serious problems for farmers.
Conversation
Have you noticed the undersupply of certain products lately?
Yeah, it's been hard to find things we usually buy.
I wonder if it's just a temporary issue or something more serious.
Hopefully it's temporary, but it does make shopping frustrating.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
shortage
deficiency
lack
Antonyms
surplus
abundance
plenty
transitive verb
Definition
To provide less of something than is needed or expected.
Example
The company undersupplied the stores with new products, leading to empty shelves.
Tense Forms
Past: undersupplied
Past Participle: undersupplied
Conversation
Did you hear about the recent issues with the supplies?
Yeah, I heard they undersupply the workers with tools.
It's crazy how they can operate like that.
Root Explanation
Undersupply → It is formed from "under-" (meaning below or insufficient) and "supply" (from Old French *supplyer*, meaning to provide or furnish). The word "undersupply" means to provide less than what is needed or required.
Memory Tip
Think of 'under' meaning insufficient and 'supply' meaning to provide — so undersupply means not providing enough.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.