shortage of material

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shortage of material" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a lack of resources or materials needed for a specific purpose or task. Example: "The construction project was delayed due to a shortage of material. We had to wait for additional supplies to be delivered before we could continue building."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's no shortage of material.

The New York Times

There is hardly a shortage of material.

The Economist

No shortage of material there.

The Guardian - Books

Luckily, there's no shortage of material to stoke your enthusiasm.

The Guardian

As in every family, there is no shortage of material.

The Guardian - Books

(There is no shortage of material in Brighton Beach, for sure).

The New York Times - Arts

There is no shortage of material from every industry, ranging from the Edsel to New Coke.

The New York Times

As a former battered woman, she has no shortage of material to draw on.

The New York Times - Magazine

There is an absolute shortage of material, and she hasn't held anything back.

The New York Times - Arts

There's no shortage of material to draw from, or talent with which to transform it.

The New York Times - Arts

There is no shortage of material, considering the national unemployment rate is at 8.1 percent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing economic or industrial contexts, be specific about the type of "material" in question to avoid ambiguity. For example, use "shortage of raw materials" or "shortage of construction materials".

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "shortage of material" by incorporating synonyms such as "lack of resources" or "scarcity of supplies" to enhance writing clarity and engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shortage of material" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state of deficiency or inadequacy in the availability of resources. As Ludwig shows, this phrase is frequently used to explain delays, production issues, or economic challenges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shortage of material" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a situation where there is an insufficient supply of resources. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is typically used to explain delays, production issues, or economic challenges. Its usage spans across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While the phrase itself is neutral in tone, its formality depends on the surrounding context. For variety in writing, alternatives such as "lack of resources" or "scarcity of materials" can be used. Remember to be specific about the type of material to avoid ambiguity, and avoid repetitive use of the phrase by incorporating these synonyms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of resources

Focuses on a general absence of necessary resources, not just physical materials.

scarcity of materials

Emphasizes the limited availability of materials.

paucity of supplies

Highlights a deficiency in the amount of supplies available.

dearth of resources

Indicates a severe lack of resources.

inadequate supply of materials

Specifies that the existing supply is insufficient.

limited availability of resources

Highlights the restricted accessibility of resources.

deficit of materials

Indicates a shortfall or deficiency in materials.

insufficiency of resources

Emphasizes that the available resources are not enough.

reduced material availability

Describes a situation where the quantity of available material has decreased.

limited stock of supplies

Focuses on the restriction of available quantities of supplies.

FAQs

What does "shortage of material" mean?

The phrase "shortage of material" refers to a situation where there is an insufficient supply of necessary resources or components needed for a particular purpose, such as manufacturing, construction, or artistic endeavors.

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

You can use it to describe situations like: "The project was delayed due to a "shortage of material"", or "The company is facing a "shortage of material" needed for production".

What can I say instead of "shortage of material"?

You can use alternatives like "lack of resources", "scarcity of materials", or "dearth of resources" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "materials shortage" instead of "shortage of material"?

Yes, "materials shortage" is a more concise and commonly used alternative to "shortage of material", especially in headlines and business contexts. Both are grammatically correct, but the former is more direct.