The state of having an insufficient or inadequate quantity of something, particularly resources, goods, or services, to meet the existing demand or need. This can manifest in various scenarios, from a lack of essential commodities during a crisis to insufficient staffing in a sector. The degree of 'under-supply' can range from mild shortages to severe scarcity, impacting efficiency, productivity, and accessibility. This condition often leads to price increases, rationing, or delays in fulfilling requirements. Understanding the reasons behind under-supply, such as supply chain disruptions, increased demand, or inadequate production capacity, is crucial for implementing effective corrective measures.
Under-supplied meaning with examples
- The hospital was critically under-supplied during the pandemic's peak, with shortages of ventilators, personal protective equipment (PPE), and even basic medications. This hampered their ability to treat patients effectively and placed immense strain on healthcare workers. Consequently, this created a dire situation where patient care was severely compromised, and the death toll potentially increased due to the limited resources available.
- Following the hurricane, many areas were under-supplied with potable water and non-perishable food items. Local distribution networks collapsed and delayed aid, leading to severe hardship for residents and necessitating emergency relief operations from external organizations. The lack of essential supplies resulted in widespread dehydration, hunger, and amplified instances of looting and public distress in the disaster-stricken regions.
- The construction site was repeatedly under-supplied with essential building materials like cement and steel, causing delays to the project timeline. This led to cost overruns and frustrated both contractors and the client. A poorly planned logistics chain, coupled with sudden surges in demand, severely impacted the project's completion date, highlighting the importance of effective supply chain management.
- The rural school was chronically under-supplied with textbooks and educational resources, hindering the students' ability to learn effectively. This led to a widening achievement gap compared to more affluent schools. The limitations in equipment and books meant that instructors needed to develop innovative and alternative approaches in an attempt to ensure the successful education of their pupils.
- The local grocery store was under-supplied with fresh produce during the harvest season, indicating flaws within the current farm-to-market system. This led to a decrease in sales and customer dissatisfaction. It also raised concerns about the viability of the local farming economy and the need for improved distribution channels to ensure the availability of seasonal products at all times.