Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

in short supply

ADJECTIVE
scarce
Synonyms
STRONGEST
deficient limited rare scant scanty sparse sporadic
WEAK
at a premium failing few few and far between occasional seldom seldom met with semioccasional short shortened shy truncated uncommon unusual wanting
Antonyms
STRONGEST
adequate ample plentiful satisfactory sufficient
WEAK
abundant frequent

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The relationships between those running the business and those running their teams is crucial, but togetherness is often in short supply at some clubs.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

He sees crude in short supply, with a lack of exploration and dwindling reserves for major oil companies.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 29, 2026

It’s doable, it just requires trust on both sides, something that seems to be in short supply.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

Certain bacteria produce methane as they break down organic material, but this only happens when phosphate, an essential nutrient, is in short supply.

From Science Daily • Apr. 16, 2026

The van Daans have been sleeping all winter long on the same flannel sheet, which can’t be washed because detergent is rationed and in short supply.

From "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank