shortage [shortages]◼◼◼(lack or deficiency) noun [UK: ˈʃɔː.tɪdʒ] [US: ˈʃɔːr.tədʒ]There are no food shortages in Algeria. = Il n'y a pas de pénurie alimentaire en Algérie.
scarcity [scarcities]◼◼◼(an inadequate amount of something; a shortage) noun [UK: ˈskeə.sɪ.ti] [US: ˈsker.sə.ti]The scarcity of some items in supermarkets has raised concerns about the food supply. = La pénurie de certains articles dans les supermarchés a suscité des inquiétudes quant à l'approvisionnement alimentaire.
dearth◼◼◻(scarcity) noun [UK: dɜːθ] [US: ˈdɝːθ]There is a dearth of available medical personnel to administer vaccines. = Il y a une pénurie de personnel médical disponible pour administrer les vaccins.
penury◼◻◻(lack of something) noun [UK: ˈpe.njʊə.ri] [US: ˈpe.njə.ri]