demand exceeds supply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "demand exceeds supply" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are discussing a situation in which the number of goods or services that is being asked for by consumers is greater than the number of goods or services being produced. For example, "The demand for tickets to the concert far exceeds the number of tickets available, so they have sold out quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But demand exceeds supply".

The New York Times - Arts

When demand exceeds supply, inflation rises.

The Economist

When demand exceeds supply, prices go up.

The Guardian

That shows that demand exceeds supply.

The New York Times

As demand exceeds supply, prices rise.

The Guardian - Opinion

If demand exceeds supply, we will look for opportunities to expand".

The New York Times

As happens in any market whenever demand exceeds supply, the players are a hot commodity.

The New York Times

As long as demand exceeds supply, death-row inmates are worth more dead than alive.

The Economist

"But if demand exceeds supply, that's a good way to make money".

The New York Times

"If demand exceeds supply, we will make sure there are Paralympic Park tickets available as well".

Independent

When demand exceeds supply, districts withdraw from groundwater basins to supplement the delivery of surface water.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "demand exceeds supply", be specific about what is in demand and what supply it is exceeding. This provides clarity and context to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "demand exceeds supply" when you actually mean that there is a great need for something. Demand refers to an economic concept backed by willingness to pay, while need is a more general requirement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "demand exceeds supply" functions as a descriptor of market conditions. It typically serves as a noun phrase functioning as a subject complement or appositive, explaining a condition or state. Ludwig's examples show this in diverse contexts from economics to healthcare.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "demand exceeds supply" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a situation where there is not enough of something to satisfy everyone who wants it. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used across different contexts, including news reports, scientific articles, and business analyses. Ludwig's examples highlight the phrase's descriptive function, explaining scarcity or shortages. While alternatives exist, such as "demand outstrips supply" or "supply is insufficient", the original phrase remains a clear and widely understood way to convey this concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demand is greater than supply

A more verbose but equally valid way to express that demand is higher than supply.

demand outstrips supply

Uses 'outstrips' to emphasize demand significantly surpassing supply.

demand surpasses supply

Replaces 'exceeds' with 'surpasses', indicating a higher level of demand.

demand outweighs supply

Emphasizes the imbalance between demand and supply using 'outweighs'.

scarcity of resources

Focuses on the limited availability of resources due to high demand.

supply shortage exists

States directly that a shortage is present because of high demand.

there is unmet demand

Highlights the portion of demand that cannot be fulfilled by the current supply.

supply is insufficient

Indicates that the current supply is not adequate to meet the existing demand.

limited availability

Focuses on the restricted quantity of goods or services available.

resources are strained

Suggests the supply system is under pressure due to high demand.

FAQs

How can I use "demand exceeds supply" in a sentence?

You can use "demand exceeds supply" to describe situations where there isn't enough of something to satisfy everyone who wants it. For example, "During the holiday season, "demand exceeds supply" for popular toys, leading to shortages and higher prices."

What are some alternatives to saying "demand exceeds supply"?

Alternatives include "demand outstrips supply", "demand surpasses supply", or "supply shortage exists", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "demand exceeded supply"?

Yes, "demand exceeded supply" is grammatically correct. It is the past tense form of the phrase and should be used when referring to a situation in the past.

What does it mean when "demand exceeds supply" in economics?

In economics, when "demand exceeds supply", it indicates a market disequilibrium where the quantity of a good or service demanded is greater than the quantity supplied at the current price. This often leads to increased prices.