noun, na-adjective
shortage of stock; scarcity of goods; in short supply
Describes a situation where goods or products are scarce, often due to high demand or supply chain issues. Commonly used as a noun or na-adjective.
新製品が品薄で、なかなか手に入らない。
The new product is in short supply and hard to get.
半導体不足で、自動車の生産が品薄に
Due to the semiconductor shortage, car production is facing a scarcity of parts.
Compound of 品 (しな, 'goods') and 薄 (うす, 'thin' or 'sparse'), literally meaning 'thin goods', referring to a state where stock is thin or scarce.