Shortage (noun)

1. A situation in which the demand for a commodity or service exceeds its supply.
2. An insufficient or inadequate amount of something.

Origin:

Early 17th century: from short + age, originally in the sense 'insufficient supply', later 'deficiency in a commodity or service'.

Examples:

1. There was a shortage of housing in the city.
2. The shortage of water caused a problem for the farmers.
3. The shortage of skilled workers was a major challenge for the company.
4. The shortage of food caused prices to rise.
5. The shortage of fuel was affecting the country's economy.