lack of supply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'lack of supply' is correct and is commonly used in written English.
For example, "The shortages in medical supplies during the pandemic highlighted the lack of supply in healthcare systems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One leg is the lack of supply of electricity.

The New York Times

What will stoke another bubble is lack of supply".

The Guardian - Business

But that may not owe to a lack of supply.

The New York Times

Lack of supply will once again affect prices this year.

The Times

It's not for lack of supply in France.

The Washington Post

TriBeCa, particularly, has a lack of supply of larger units.

The New York Times

However, you are only addressing the lack of supply.

The Economist

The main, insurmountable, problem is a lack of supply.

Independent

The biggest threat comes from a lack of supply.

Independent

The only problem is the lack of supply.

The Economist

"There's a general lack of supply," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing market dynamics, clearly specify what the "lack of supply" refers to. For example, state "lack of supply of semiconductors" rather than just "lack of supply".

Common error

Avoid using "lack of supply" as a blanket explanation without providing specific details. Identify the exact item or resource that is lacking to give context to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack of supply" functions primarily as a noun phrase that identifies a state or condition of insufficiency. Ludwig's examples show it describing shortages of goods, resources, or services. The phrase often acts as the subject or object of a sentence, indicating what is missing or causing a problem.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lack of supply" is a commonly used noun phrase that effectively describes a condition of scarcity or deficiency. Analysis, validated by Ludwig, confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts, especially in news, academia, and business. While versatile, ensuring clarity by specifying the item in short supply is crucial. Related phrases such as "supply shortage" or "limited availability" offer alternatives for varied expression. The phrase serves to identify problems, often economic, and carries a neutral register, fitting professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

supply shortage

Reverses the order for emphasis and directness.

inadequate supply

Uses an adjective to describe the supply's insufficiency.

limited availability

Focuses on the restriction in accessing the supply.

supply deficit

Uses a technical term indicating that supply falls short of demand.

scarcity of resources

Broadens the scope to include all types of resources, not just one supply.

insufficiency of provision

Formal and emphasizes the act of providing rather than the supply itself.

dearth of materials

Implies a severe shortage, especially of necessary materials.

inability to provide

Shifts the focus to the entity unable to furnish the supply.

restricted access

Highlights the difficulty in obtaining the supply.

limited stock

Refers specifically to the quantity of goods on hand.

FAQs

What are some alternative phrases for "lack of supply"?

You can use alternatives like "supply shortage", "limited availability", or "scarcity of resources" depending on the context.

How does "lack of supply" affect market prices?

A "lack of supply" typically leads to increased prices due to higher demand and limited availability. This is a fundamental principle of supply and demand.

Is it more appropriate to say "lack of supply" or "shortage of supply"?

Both phrases are generally acceptable and interchangeable. However, "supply shortage" is perhaps more direct and commonly used in economic contexts.

What factors can contribute to a "lack of supply" in a market?

Several factors can cause a "lack of supply", including production disruptions, natural disasters, trade restrictions, and increased demand.