In Short Supply: Meaning and Examples

Updated: May 7

Learn Business English vocabulary with Phrase of the Week!

Each week, we introduce a new phrase to help you sound more natural and confident in your professional communication.

For extra practice, you can download the flashcards—just scroll down to the bottom of the page.

This Week's Phrase:

IN SHORT SUPPLY

idiom

if something is in short supply, then there is not enough of it available

Skilled engineers are in short supply these days.

Since the pandemic, some raw materials have been in short supply.

Patience seems to be in short supply during high-pressure meetings.

Quick Quiz

KEY

The correct answer is scarce.

SCARCE

not enough

Clean water is scarce in some parts of the world. Jobs were scarce during the recession.

Affordable housing is scarce in big cities.

ABUNDANT

more than enough, a large amount

Opportunities are abundant in this field.

We have abundant resources to complete the task.

The company has an abundant supply of eco-friendly products.

SUFFICIENT

enough, just what is needed

Is the salary sufficient to cover your expenses?

The lawyer presented sufficient proof to win the case.

The funds available are not sufficient for the new initiative.

Let’s Chat!

What’s something that’s in short supply in your workplace these days?

In my office, free time is in short supply. We have many deadlines and not enough people, so we are always busy. (Elena, B1 English learner)