shortage
Translation
shortage, lack, deficiency
Examples
There is a shortage of water.
There is a shortage of water.
We are facing a staff shortage.
We are facing a staff shortage.
Grammar Patterns
a shortage of ((sth.)) a situation where there is not enough of something. There is a shortage of skilled workers.
Similar Words
Synonyms: lack, scarcity, dearth; Antonyms: surplus, abundance
Etymology
From 'short' plus the suffix '-age', which denotes a state or condition. It means the state of being short of something.
Memory Tips
Imagine your supply of something is 'short'. The situation is a 'shortage'.