Basic Details
Word: Shortage
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A situation where there is not enough of something that is needed.
Synonyms: Deficit, scarcity, lack
Antonyms: Abundance, surplus, plenty
Idioms and Phrases
- In short supply: When something is not available in enough quantity. Example: "Food was in short supply during the winter."
- Short on time: To have little time available. Example: "I'm short on time today, so I can't stay for long."
Usage Examples
Example 1: There was a shortage of volunteers at the local charity event, so they struggled to gather support.
Example 2: The town faced a shortage of water during the summer due to the dry weather.
Example 3: Due to a shortage of supplies, the school had to postpone the art programme.
Fun Fact
The word "shortage" comes from the Old French word "cort," which means "a lack" or "something cut short." This reflects the idea of having less than what is necessary.
Famous Quote
"There is no shortage of good days. It is good lives that are hard to come by." Annie Dillard
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "shortage" mean?
a) Having too much of something
b) A situation where there is not enough of something
c) A type of game
d) A kind of plant
Answer: b) A situation where there is not enough of something
2. Which of these is a synonym of "shortage"?
a) Abundance
b) Deficit
c) Wealth
d) Majority
Answer: b) Deficit
3. Which word is an antonym of "shortage"?
a) Insufficiency
b) Scarcity
c) Surplus
d) Dearth
Answer: c) Surplus
4. Which sentence uses "shortage" correctly?
a) We created a shortage to celebrate the occasion.
b) The shortage of food led to increased prices in the market.
c) It is fun to have a shortage of friends.
d) The shortage was a kind of delicious treat.
Answer: b) The shortage of food led to increased prices in the market.
5. Which idiom means having little of something?
a) In short supply
b) Making ends meet
c) A dime a dozen
d) Short and sweet
Answer: a) In short supply
