supply shortage

USAGE SUMMARY

"supply shortage" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it in situations where there is a lack of supply or shortage of a particular item or resource. Example: The supply shortage of medical equipment has caused difficulties for hospitals in treating COVID-19 patients.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The threat of supply shortage still very much stands.

The Guardian

A supply shortage is the issue and politicians are the problem.

The Economist

Bloomberg said automotive executives were meeting Tuesday in Detroit to discuss the impending supply shortage.

The New York Times

One, says Mr Bane, is if the fibre-optic capacity glut turns into a supply shortage.

The Economist

The move further tightened a drug supply shortage that has slowed executions in the United States.

The New York Times

Industry experts are warning a goat's cheese supply shortage threatens to take hold across the UK.

Independent

The boom is fueled by an old-fashioned supply shortage -- in this case, of people.

The New York Times

Some California politicians are skeptical that the supply shortage can be alleviated within two weeks.

The New York Times

New Saudi oil could ease the supply shortage and help drive heating oil prices lower, though perhaps only slightly.

The New York Times

High prices and rolling blackouts were the natural consequence of a supply shortage years in the making, they said.

The New York Times

"Claims that the recent surge in prices is due to a supply shortage are unjustified," the report said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a "supply shortage", be specific about the item or resource that is lacking to provide clarity and context. For instance, instead of just saying "there's a supply shortage", specify "there's a supply shortage of semiconductors".

Common error

Avoid attributing a "supply shortage" to a single cause without considering multiple factors. Supply chain disruptions are often complex and multi-layered, involving production, logistics, and geopolitical issues. Ascribing blame to only one element can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "supply shortage" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a situation where the amount of a particular product or resource available is less than the demand for it. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability, and the examples showcase its use across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "supply shortage" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe a situation where demand exceeds available supply. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and applicability across varied contexts. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Science sources. Related terms include "lack of supply" and "scarcity of resources". When using the phrase, be specific about what is lacking. Avoid oversimplifying the causes of the shortage, as supply chains are complex. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of supply

This alternative focuses on the absence of sufficient supply.

inadequate supply

This alternative states the supply is not good enough or of sufficient quality.

restricted supply

This alternative suggests there are limitations or controls on the supply.

scarcity of resources

This alternative emphasizes the limited availability of resources in general.

limited availability

This alternative highlights the restricted amount that is accessible.

limited stock

This alternative highlights the stock is restricted in the amount.

resource depletion

This alternative suggests that the resources are being used up faster than they can be replenished.

dearth of goods

This alternative focuses on a deficiency or lack of goods.

insufficiency of stock

This alternative uses 'stock' for a more formal and business context.

deficit in availability

This alternative emphasizes the shortfall in what's accessible.

FAQs

How do I use "supply shortage" in a sentence?

You can use "supply shortage" to describe situations where the availability of a product or resource is insufficient to meet demand. For example: "The global pandemic caused a severe "supply shortage" of personal protective equipment".

What are some alternative ways to say "supply shortage"?

Alternatives to "supply shortage" include "lack of supply", "scarcity of resources", or "limited availability", depending on the specific context.

What factors typically contribute to a "supply shortage"?

Factors contributing to a "supply shortage" can include increased demand, disruptions in the supply chain, natural disasters, trade restrictions, and geopolitical instability.

How does a "supply shortage" affect prices?

A "supply shortage" typically leads to higher prices due to increased competition for the limited available goods or resources. This is a fundamental principle of supply and demand.