shortage

柯林斯词典

1. N-VAR If there is a shortage of something, there is not enough of it. 短缺
A shortage of funds is preventing the UN from monitoring relief. 资金短缺使得联合国无法监督救济工作。
Vietnam is suffering from food shortage. 越南正遭受食品短缺之苦。

The government's programme to grow cash crops for export is a double-edged sword because it has created a local food shortage.
There's a shortage of cheap housing in the region .
Schools nationwide are experiencing a shortage of teachers .
There's a shortage of cheap accommodation .
The government admitted that there was a petrol shortage, but warned people against panic buying .