pénurie

shortage

noun peh-new-REE Rare

Origin: Latin 'penuria' (want, scarcity)

Also means

scarcity

Usage Note

Pénurie denotes a critical shortage of something essential. Une pénurie de main-d'œuvre (a labour shortage) and une pénurie d'eau (a water shortage) are typical collocations. It is stronger than manque (lack) and implies a situation reaching a critical level. The word is always feminine.

Examples

"La pénurie de médicaments inquiète les médecins."

Natural Translation

The shortage of medicines worries doctors.

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