Basic Details
Word: Shortage
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A situation in which there is not enough of something that is needed.
Synonyms: Scarcity, lack, deficiency
Antonyms: Abundance, surplus, plenty
Idioms and Phrases
- Short on time: To have very little time available to do something. Example: "I was short on time, so I had to skip breakfast."
- Scarcity mindset: A way of thinking that there is not enough to go around. Example: "With a scarcity mindset, he always worries about money instead of enjoying life."
Usage Examples
Example 1: There was a shortage of food during the winter months, leaving many families struggling to feed themselves.
Example 2: The sudden demand for hand sanitiser created a shortage in stores across the country.
Example 3: Due to the drought, there has been a significant shortage of water in the region.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word "shortage" comes from the Old French word "cort", which means "short"? This shows how languages evolve over time!
Famous Quote
"We cannot be sure that a shortage is a crisis, but we can certainly be sure that a crisis contains shortages." - William P. McGowan
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "shortage" mean?
a) A large amount of something
b) A situation with not enough of something
c) A type of fruit
d) A kind of animal
Answer: b) A situation with not enough of something
2. Which of these is a synonym of "shortage"?
a) Scarcity
b) Abundance
c) Surplus
d) Plenty
Answer: a) Scarcity
3. Which of these is an antonym of "shortage"?
a) Lack
b) Scarcity
c) Surplus
d) Deficiency
Answer: c) Surplus
4. Which sentence uses "shortage" correctly?
a) The shortage of chairs made it difficult for everyone to sit down.
b) I have a shortage lunch today.
c) The flowers bloomed after a shortage of rain.
d) She went to a shortage store yesterday.
Answer: a) The shortage of chairs made it difficult for everyone to sit down.
5. What does "short on time" mean?
a) Having plenty of time
b) Not having enough time
c) Having a lot of things to do
d) Enjoying plenty of time off
Answer: b) Not having enough time
