lack or shortage?

[dilodi83]

One of the most important problem that affect young people all over the world today is the lack/the shortage of work.

What's the most suitable word?

 

[Mannysteps]

Not a teacher

I believe "lack" is more absolute, as it stands also for "absence of", whereas "shortage" is more relative, as it also stands for "not enough".

Hope it helps,

M.

 

[emsr2d2]

I would say it depends on the actual situation with available employments. If there are no jobs (or practically no jobs) then I would say "lack of jobs". If there are simply not enough jobs to go around, then I would call it a "shortage of jobs".