labor shortage

USAGE SUMMARY

"labor shortage" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You would use this phrase to describe a situation where there are not enough people available to do a particular job. For example, "The construction industry is dealing with a severe labor shortage, making it difficult to finish projects on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A labor shortage, for one thing.

The New Yorker

We have a labor shortage.

The New York Times

The labor shortage runs across all markets".

The New York Times

Auto suppliers are booming and facing a labor shortage.

The New York Times

North Dakota has so many jobs there's a labor shortage.

The New York Times

California's farm labor shortage is the "worst it's been, ever".

The New York Times

"The labor shortage has been masked by recession," he said.

The New York Times

There was a labor shortage, just as there is now.

The New York Times

The aging country faces an impending labor shortage.

The New York Times

But an emerging labor shortage, particularly of young workers, has changed that picture.

The New York Times

At the same time, though, the industry's claims of a labor shortage may be somewhat overblown.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a "labor shortage", be specific about the industry, skill, or region affected to provide context and avoid generalizations.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the effects of a "labor shortage" without supporting evidence. Provide data or specific examples to illustrate the severity and consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "labor shortage" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe a situation where there are insufficient workers to meet demand. For example, "The labor shortage has been masked by recession."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

22%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science & Research

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "labor shortage" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a situation where there are not enough workers available to meet the demands of the job market. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is widespread across various reputable sources, including The New York Times and Forbes. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, but also appears in scientific and business publications. When using "labor shortage", it's best to provide specific context regarding the industry, skill, or region affected. While the phrase itself is neutral in tone, avoid overstating its impact without supporting data. Related phrases include "workforce scarcity", "manpower deficit", and "staffing shortfall", offering alternative ways to express the same concept. Overall, understanding the nuances of "labor shortage" will allow you to employ it effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

workforce scarcity

Replaces "shortage" with "scarcity", emphasizing limited availability.

manpower deficit

Substitutes "labor" with "manpower" and "shortage" with "deficit", focusing on the lack of available workers.

employee scarcity

Replaces "labor" with "employee", which is related to the type of deficit.

staffing shortfall

Replaces "labor" with "staffing" and "shortage" with "shortfall", indicating a lack of adequate staff.

personnel deficiency

Uses more formal terms, focusing on a lack of necessary personnel.

lack of available workers

A more descriptive phrase emphasizing the absence of workers.

insufficient workforce

Highlights the inadequacy of the current workforce size.

limited labor pool

Focuses on the restricted number of workers available.

hiring difficulties

Shifts the focus to the challenges employers face in recruiting.

understaffing

A concise term indicating a situation where there are too few staff members.

FAQs

How can I use "labor shortage" in a sentence?

You can use "labor shortage" to describe a situation where there are not enough workers available to fill jobs. For example: "The construction industry is facing a severe "labor shortage"." or "The "labor shortage" is impacting the agricultural sector."

What are some synonyms for "labor shortage"?

Alternatives to "labor shortage" include "workforce scarcity", "manpower deficit", and "staffing shortfall". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What causes a "labor shortage"?

A "labor shortage" can be caused by several factors, including an aging population, a lack of skilled workers, low wages, or undesirable working conditions. Economic booms in specific sectors can also lead to "labor shortages" in those areas.

How does immigration affect a "labor shortage"?

Immigration can alleviate a "labor shortage" by increasing the number of available workers. However, restrictions on immigration can exacerbate a "labor shortage", particularly in industries that rely heavily on immigrant labor.