Shortage

Pronunciation: /ˈʃɔːrtɪdʒ/

Definitions of shortage

noun a state or situation in which something needed cannot be obtained in sufficient amounts

Example Sentences

A1 There is a shortage of milk at the store.

A2 The shortage of skilled workers is causing problems for the company.

B1 The shortage of affordable housing is a major issue in this city.

B2 The government is working to address the shortage of medical supplies in rural areas.

C1 The shortage of clean water in developing countries is a global crisis.

C2 The shortage of qualified teachers is impacting the quality of education in this region.

Examples of shortage in a Sentence

formal The company faced a shortage of raw materials due to supply chain disruptions.

informal There's a shortage of parking spaces near the mall, so we might have to park further away.

slang I heard there's a shortage of snacks in the break room, so grab some while you can.

figurative Her constant need for attention stems from a shortage of love and validation in her childhood.

Grammatical Forms of shortage

• past tense: shortaged
• plural: shortages
• comparative: shorter
• superlative: shortest
• present tense: shortage
• future tense: will shortage
• perfect tense: has shortaged
• continuous tense: is shortaging
• singular: shortage
• positive degree: shortage
• infinitive: to shortage
• gerund: shortaging
• participle: shortaged

Origin and Evolution of shortage

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Middle English and Old French

Story behind the word: The word 'shortage' originated from the Middle English word 'schortage' which was derived from the Old French word 'escarz' meaning 'scarce'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'shortage' has retained its original meaning of scarcity or insufficiency, but has also come to be used in various contexts such as economics, supply chain management, and resource allocation.