shortage

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A lack or deficiency; an insufficient amount.

   The admirable smoothness of the riding also reflected the greatest credit on those who, despite the difficulties caused by the shortage of men and materials, have succeeded in maintaining the track in such first-class order.

2. 2
   noun

   the property of being an amount by which something is less than expected or required

3. 3
   noun

   an acute insufficiency

Etymology

From short + -age.