But in most cases shortages simply meant either empty shelves or long waiting lines.

He said the shortage had meant fierce competition for professors.

For many Americans, these shortages can literally mean life or death.

And the shortage of money in the country means that repairs often remain undone.

Increased building costs and the shortage of local employment meant that the suburb would become largely middle class.

A shortage of steel meant it would not be until 1949 that the first were completed.

In state schools, shortage of funds has meant that pupils or their families have to pay for materials and equipment.

But, the shortage of work at sea meant that unemployment remained a problem.

But shortage of troops also meant this plan too remained on paper.

A shortage of funds meant the engine was kept in storage for several years.