major shortage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "major shortage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant lack of something, such as resources, products, or personnel. Example: "The region is facing a major shortage of clean drinking water due to the prolonged drought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

"There's a fairly major shortage of homegrown nurses.

The Guardian

Many of these people require long-term, supervised care, of which there is a major shortage.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, low thermal conductivity of phase-change material (PCM) is the major shortage of latent heat thermal energy storage.

Solar Energy

Electricity is still down in the affected region, hampering rescue efforts, and there is a major shortage of fuel.

The Guardian

There is a major shortage of fuel in the region and queues for petrol are miles long.

The Guardian

But, as uranium hoarding begins, a major shortage could arise sooner than 2013, and its value pushed up to the levels of precious metals.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

In Venezuela, the elderly are confronting major shortages of medicines that are indispensable for their age.

The Washington Post

The critics cite economic evidence to argue that there are no major shortages of skilled workers.

Harvard Business Review

Yemen also imports 90% of its food, leading to major shortages and skyrocketing prices amid the blockade, she said.

The Guardian

Allegations of corruption first emerged in 2013 amid reports of major shortages of medicines, equipment and staff at IHSS hospitals.

The Guardian

Earlier this month M&S admitted it scored an embarrassing own goal after buying blunders left it with major shortages of coats, knitwear, printed blouses and even ballet pumps.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "major shortage", be specific about what is lacking and the impact of the shortage. For example, instead of saying "There is a major shortage," specify "There is a major shortage of medical supplies, which is delaying treatment."

Common error

Avoid using "major shortage" when the lack is minor or easily resolved. Use more appropriate terms like "slight delay" or "temporary inconvenience" to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major shortage" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, indicating a significant lack or deficiency of something. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "major shortage" effectively communicates a significant lack of essential resources, personnel, or materials. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various domains such as News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, it's best practice to specify the shortage and its impact for clarity. While versatile, avoid overstating minor issues by using "major shortage" inappropriately. Semantically similar alternatives are "significant deficit" or "critical lack".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Significant deficit

Emphasizes the shortfall or inadequacy more directly.

Critical lack

Stresses the severity and importance of the shortage.

Substantial deficiency

Highlights the inadequacy in a more formal tone.

Serious inadequacy

Focuses on the unacceptability of how small something is.

Severe scarcity

Focuses on the limited availability and potential hardship.

Pronounced shortfall

Emphasizes the notable difference between what is needed and what is available.

Extensive inadequacy

Highlights how insufficient something is.

Acute undersupply

Highlights that the supply does not meet the demand

Considerable dearth

Highlights the rareness of something.

Great paucity

Indicates a small amount or insufficiency.

FAQs

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

You can use "major shortage" to describe a significant lack of something. For example: "The country is experiencing a "major shortage" of skilled workers." or "Due to the disaster, there is a "major shortage" of clean water."

What are some alternatives to "major shortage"?

Alternatives include "significant deficit", "critical lack", or "severe scarcity". The best choice depends on the specific context. You can also use "substantial deficiency".

Is it appropriate to use "major shortage" in formal writing?

Yes, "major shortage" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing serious deficiencies. Ensure the severity aligns with the described situation. Phrases like "critical lack" can also be appropriate.

What kind of words can describe a "major shortage"?

Some adjectives that describe "major shortage" are: a looming "major shortage", a current "major shortage", or a projected "major shortage".