Shortage of a sort

FAMINE

Think of a severe, prolonged lack of food affecting entire regions, often caused by natural disasters or conflict. It’s more extreme than just a simple "shortage."

"Shortage of a sort" hints at a severe lack, but the word "sort" suggests we’re looking for a specific type of scarcity. "Famine" fits because it’s a extreme shortage—specifically of food—while also playing on the idea of a "sort" (or category) of shortage. The clue keeps it simple but cleverly points to a word that’s both literal and a bit more dramatic than just "shortage."