shortage

UK: /ˈʃɔː^rtɪdʒ/ US: /ˈʃɔrtɪdʒ/ ,(shôr′tij)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

short•age /ˈʃɔrtɪdʒ/   n. [countable]

1. the condition or state of not having enough;
   deficiency:
   a shortage of cash.
2. the amount of such deficiency:
   a shortage of fifty dollars.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

short•age  (shôr′tij), n. 

1. a deficiency in quantity:
   a shortage of cash.
2. the amount of such deficiency.

• short + -age 1865–70

Synonyms

• 1. . lack, want, scarcity.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

shortage / ˈʃɔːtɪdʒ/ noun

1. a deficiency or lack in the amount needed, expected, or due; deficit