a vast shortage of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vast shortage of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant lack or deficiency of something, often in contexts related to resources, supplies, or personnel. Example: "The region is facing a vast shortage of clean drinking water, which has raised concerns among local authorities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

But there is a vast shortage of organs to meet the need, with only 28,535 transplants performed last year.

The New York Times

In the US, a vast shortage of palliative specialists persists: there is one doctor for every 20,000 elders with severe chronic illness.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We have a vast shortage of affordable homes, which constitutes nothing short of a national emergency, and yet the government is seeking to make quick financial gains by disposing of properties which could provide much needed homes for generations.

The Guardian

We have a vast shortage of affordable homes, which constitutes nothing short of a national emergency, and yet the government is seeking to make quick financial gains by disposing of properties that could provide much-needed homes for generations.

The Guardian

There's a vast shortage of beds for Ebola patients in the nation, and standard care is in short supply even for people who are admitted to what are called Ebola Treatment Units.

Science Magazine

"There's a vast shortage of kidneys from deceased donors, and it's better for you in any event to get a kidney from a living donor". People are often willing to give a kidney to someone they love.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

A cascade of breakdowns in communication and commerce would create vast shortages of food and medicine, which would, in turn, produce riots, lawlessness and social collapse.

The New York Times

"China," declared its deputy foreign minister, "faces numerous problems left over from the past and mounting pressure posed by a vast population, shortage of resources and environmental degradation.

The Guardian

But there is a vast worldwide shortage of available donors for those desperately in need.

Huffington Post

Yet, at the same time, there is a vast (and growing) shortage of caregivers.

Forbes

He has likened the apartment shortage to "a vast game of musical chairs".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a vast shortage of", ensure you specify what exactly is lacking to provide clarity and context for your audience. For example, "a vast shortage of affordable housing".

Common error

Avoid using "a vast shortage of" to describe minor inconveniences or temporary deficits; reserve it for situations with genuinely significant and far-reaching consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vast shortage of" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It signifies a substantial deficiency or lack of something, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a vast shortage of" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a significant lack or deficiency. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It's most frequently found in news and media, scientific, and formal business contexts. When using the phrase, ensure the context justifies the intensity of "vast" and clearly specify what is lacking. Alternatives such as "a significant deficiency of" or "a critical scarcity of" can be used depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a critical scarcity of

Indicates a severe and urgent shortage, suggesting that the lack is creating a crisis or posing a significant risk.

a significant deficiency of

Replaces "vast shortage" with a more general term for lack, "deficiency", implying a less severe situation than "vast shortage".

a severe deficit of

Highlights the inadequacy of something, focusing on the gap between what is needed and what is available.

a substantial lack of

Emphasizes the insufficiency of something, similar to a shortage, but may not always imply a need or crisis.

an acute undersupply of

Emphasizes the insufficient supply of something, indicating a problem in production or distribution.

a widespread absence of

Focuses on the general non-existence or unavailability of something across a broad area or population.

a profound insufficiency of

Highlights the lack of the elements or characteristics needed to make something sufficient.

a considerable dearth of

Implies a marked absence of something, often used in formal or literary contexts to emphasize the rarity or infrequency.

a major inadequacy of

Highlights the failure of something to meet the required standard or need, focusing on the shortfall in quality or quantity.

a gaping void of

Evokes a sense of emptiness or absence, often used to describe a lack of something intangible or essential.

FAQs

How can I use "a vast shortage of" in a sentence?

You can use "a vast shortage of" to describe a significant lack of something. For example, "The country is experiencing a vast shortage of medical personnel".

What are some alternatives to "a vast shortage of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a significant deficiency of", "a critical scarcity of", or "a substantial lack of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a vast shortage of" in formal writing?

Yes, "a vast shortage of" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing critical deficiencies. However, ensure that the context justifies the use of "vast", as it implies a large and significant lack.

What's the difference between "a vast shortage of" and "a slight shortage of"?

"A vast shortage of" indicates a considerable deficiency, while "a slight shortage of" suggests a minor or less significant lack. The choice depends on the severity of the deficiency you're describing.