What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
famine
Example
The famine in Ethiopia in the 1980s caused widespread suffering. [famine: noun]
Example
The crops failed, and the village was facing famine. [famine: noun]
shortage
Example
There is a shortage of medical supplies in the hospital. [shortage: noun]
Example
Due to the pandemic, there is a shortage of toilet paper in the stores. [shortage: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shortage is more commonly used than famine in everyday language since it can refer to a wide range of contexts beyond food scarcity. Famine is a more specialized term that is used primarily in the context of severe food shortages.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between famine and shortage?
Both famine and shortage are formal words that are typically used in serious or academic contexts. However, shortage may be more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings, while famine is more specific and may be less common in everyday conversation.
