shortage of resources

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shortage of resources" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation in which there is less of a resource available than is needed or wanted. For example: "The government has warned of a potential shortage of resources if current spending continues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A shortage of resources to track departing students?

The New York Times

And, as ever, there's a shortage of resources.

The Guardian

A bigger problem is the growing shortage of resources.

The Economist

NEWSHOUNDS have no shortage of resources, particularly on the Web.

The New York Times

They leave behind a desperate shortage of resources.

Independent

Among the country's problems are a shortage of resources to provide medical care & education.

The New Yorker

As the Maasai's lives revolve around cattle, there is no shortage of resources.

The Guardian - Travel

A shortage of resources in planning departments also often means that delays occur in this process.

The Guardian

Sachs's argument, which is good-natured and courteous, is that there is no shortage of resources on Earth.

The Guardian - Books

If you want to brighten up your classroom for spring, there's no shortage of resources from Twinkl.

The Guardian

Until recently, the pace of these investigations had been plodding, owing to their complexity and a shortage of resources.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a "shortage of resources", be specific about what resources are lacking (e.g., "shortage of financial resources", "shortage of qualified personnel"). This adds clarity and context to your statement.

Common error

Avoid stating that a "shortage of resources" will always lead to catastrophic failure. Instead, analyze and explain the likely consequences in a measured and realistic manner. Consider mitigating strategies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shortage of resources" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in various contexts, highlighting its grammatical versatility and frequent occurrence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shortage of resources" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a deficiency in available assets. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, from news reports to academic papers. When using this phrase, specificity is key; clarifying which resources are lacking enhances clarity. Be mindful to avoid overstating the impact of the shortage, instead providing a balanced analysis of its likely consequences. Consider alternatives like "lack of resources" or "scarcity of resources" to add nuance. The phrase is most frequently used in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, indicating its wide applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of resources

Focuses on the absence or deficiency of resources.

scarcity of resources

Emphasizes the limited availability or rarity of resources.

insufficiency of resources

Highlights that the available resources are not enough to meet the needs.

dearth of resources

Suggests a severe lack or famine of resources.

paucity of resources

Indicates a small or inadequate quantity of resources.

limited resources

Highlights the constraints on the quantity or availability of resources.

inadequate resources

Focuses on the fact that the available resources are not sufficient or suitable.

resource constraints

Emphasizes the limitations imposed by the availability of resources.

resource scarcity

Highlights the economic problem of limited resources relative to demand.

limited availability of resources

Underscores that the resources are not readily or easily obtainable.

FAQs

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

You can use "shortage of resources" to describe situations where there aren't enough available materials, funds, or personnel. For example, "The project was delayed due to a "lack of resources"".

What are some alternatives to saying "shortage of resources"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "lack of resources", "scarcity of resources", or "limited resources".

What does "shortage of resources" typically imply?

A "shortage of resources" generally implies that there are not enough available means or assets to meet a particular demand or need. This can impact project timelines, service quality, or overall effectiveness.

Is it better to say "shortage of resources" or "lack of resources"?

Both "shortage of resources" and "lack of resources" are acceptable. "Shortage" emphasizes that there was an expected amount that is now deficient, while "lack" simply indicates an absence. Choose the word that best fits the specific context.