Words / B1

SHORT-ij/ˈʃɔːtɪdʒ/

A shortage means there is not enough: a shortage of staff; a housing shortage; water shortage. Lack of is a close twin; deficit is more for money or official figures. Short of (we are short of nurses) is the adjective pattern. Do not write “a short of dentists”. News English: skills shortage, food shortage, bed shortage in hospitals.

Meaning

A situation in which there is not enough of something.

Examples

• “There is a shortage of dentists in some rural areas.”
• “A shortage of HGV drivers delayed supermarket deliveries.”
• “The town has a chronic shortage of affordable flats.”

Good to know

a shortage of + noun. Twin: lack of. Adjective pattern: short of. Money gap: deficit. Not “a short of”.

Near in meaning

lack

New