Definitions
- Referring to the absence or insufficiency of something. - Talking about a situation where something is missing or not available. - Describing a state of being without enough of something.
- Referring to a situation where there is not enough of something to meet demand. - Talking about a scarcity or deficiency of a particular item or resource. - Describing a state of insufficient supply or availability.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe a situation where there is not enough of something.
- 2Both words can be used as nouns or verbs.
- 3Both words can be used to describe a temporary or permanent situation.
- 4Both words can be used to describe a negative situation.
What is the difference?
- 1Cause: Lack implies that something is missing or absent, while shortage implies that there is not enough to meet demand.
- 2Scope: Lack can refer to a general absence or insufficiency, while shortage refers to a specific item or resource.
- 3Usage: Lack is more commonly used to describe personal situations, while shortage is more commonly used to describe societal or economic situations.
- 4Intensity: Shortage implies a more severe and urgent situation than lack.
- 5Connotation: Lack can have a neutral connotation, while shortage often has a negative connotation.
Remember this!
Lack and shortage are synonyms that describe a situation where there is not enough of something. However, lack implies a general absence or insufficiency, while shortage implies a specific item or resource that is in short supply. Lack is more commonly used to describe personal situations, while shortage is more commonly used to describe societal or economic situations.
