Subtitles section
Repeat sentence
Subtitles mode
Full screen
Previous
Next
x 1.0
Playback speed
More

Antibiotics in short supply: U.S. drug shortages hit record level

Video vocabulary

the

Copy vocabulary

US / ðə /

UK / ðə /

A1
  • article
  • Used to refer to something already mentioned
  • Used to show there is only one of something
  • determiner
  • Used to describe all of a family

be

Copy vocabulary

US / bɪ /

UK / bi /

A1
  • verb
  • Being

and

Copy vocabulary

US / ənd /

UK / ənd, ən,ænd /

A1
  • conjunction
  • Used to refer to two or more things
  • Plus; in addition; on top of that
  • Used to introduce an action that follows another

that

Copy vocabulary

US / ðæt /

UK / ðæt, ðət /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • The person or thing being talked about
  • Used to identify something both the speakers know
  • adverb
  • Used to reinforce adjectives and adverbs
  • To such a degree
  • conjunction
  • Used to connect a noun clause
  • Used to introduce an adverbial clause
  • Used to introduce a noun clause
  • determiner
  • Used as a noun to refer to something
  • pronoun
  • Referring an object far away
  • Used to refer to the relative pronoun ‘which’

have

Copy vocabulary

US / həv /

UK / hæv /

A1
  • verb
  • To drink, smoke, eat or use something
  • To experience the effects of something
  • To organize an event, or join in an activity
  • To own, possess, or hold something
  • To cause to happen or produce a particular effect

not

Copy vocabulary

US / nɒt /

UK / nɑt /

A1
  • adverb
  • Word indicating the negative
  • (Used to form the negative of verbs)

you

Copy vocabulary

US / jʊ /

UK / ju /

A1
  • pronoun
  • Person someone is speaking or writing to
  • Person or people in general

for

Copy vocabulary

US / fə(r) /

UK / fɔr,fə /

A1
  • preposition
  • Used to show the purpose, or need of something

this

Copy vocabulary

US / ðɪs /

UK / ðɪs /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Used to indicate something already been discussed
  • Used to indicate something happening around now
  • adverb
  • An indication by a physical motion or gesture
  • A specific amount of
  • determiner
  • Person, thing, or idea near you
  • pronoun
  • Person, thing that has already been discussed

with

Copy vocabulary

US / wɪð /

UK / wɪð, wɪθ /

A1
  • preposition
  • As an employee of a certain company
  • Against something or someone
  • By using something as a means
  • Due to; because of
  • Including
  • Possessing as a feature
  • Related to
  • (Of the manner/attitude by which you do something)
  • Used to express that people or things are together

but

Copy vocabulary

US / bət /

UK / bʌt,bət /

A1
  • conjunction
  • Used before you say something different, opposite

get

Copy vocabulary

US / ɡet /

UK / ɡɛt /

A1
  • verb
  • To become affected by illness or disease
  • To begin to feel or understand an emotion or idea
  • To send or bring someone or something home, etc.
  • To go somewhere to obtain something
  • To (cause to) do a particular thing
  • To obtain, receive or be given something
  • To currently have
  • To prepare for use
  • To understand something being said or read

what

Copy vocabulary

US / wɒt /

UK / hwɑt, hwʌt, wɔt, wʌt,hwət, wət /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Used to refer to a particular amount, or number
  • Used to place emphasis on a particular quality
  • adverb
  • To a certain degree
  • determiner
  • Question words used for asking for information
  • exclamation
  • Used to express excitement, shock, or surprise
  • Used to ask people to repeat something they said
  • pronoun
  • Thing or things that; the same kind as
  • Used to emphasize something you are about to say

they

Copy vocabulary

US / ðeɪ /

UK / ðe /

A1
  • pronoun
  • Two or more people, animals, or things

can

Copy vocabulary

US / kæn /

UK / kən,kæn /

A1
  • noun
  • A metal container for storing food
  • other
  • Able to; have the skill to; have the time to
  • verb
  • To have permission to
  • To be possible to do
  • To preserve food by sealing it in a metal container

just

Copy vocabulary

US / dʒʌst /

UK / dʒʌst /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Proper or appropriate; as is deserved
  • Doing or being what is right or fair
  • Legally correct; having enough evidence
  • adverb
  • Almost; nearly
  • Exactly at the time of
  • Exactly (the same as, like)

all

Copy vocabulary

US / ɔ:l /

UK / ɔl /

A1
  • adverb
  • Completely; totally
  • determiner
  • Being every one of something
  • pronoun
  • 100% of something; the complete amount

do

Copy vocabulary

US / du: /

UK / du /

A1
  • other
  • Question words for 'do' verbs
  • verb
  • To act; to perform actions
  • To be enough; to be acceptable
  • To have a certain effect on something or someone

there

Copy vocabulary

US / ðɛə /

UK / ðɛr /

A1
  • adverb
  • Used to illustrate the existence of something
  • In a particular respect
  • In that place or position, at that location

one

Copy vocabulary

US / wʌn /

UK / wʌn /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Used to refer to people generally
  • Being a strong example of (something mentioned)
  • number
  • Number 1
  • pronoun
  • You; we; people in general; someone
  • The thing or person previously referred to

go

Copy vocabulary

US / ɡəʊ /

UK / ɡo /

A1
  • noun
  • A turn in a game
  • verb
  • To attend or be at a place
  • To do an activity
  • To function properly
  • To move or travel to another place

know

Copy vocabulary

US / nəʊ /

UK / noʊ /

A1
  • verb
  • To be familiar with a person or place, thing
  • To feel sure or be convinced about something
  • To discover or be aware of something
  • To be able to distinguish
  • To have knowledge of things

see

Copy vocabulary

US / si: /

UK / si /

A1
  • verb
  • To go on a date with someone
  • To predict whether something is, or will be true
  • To understand what someone says
  • To use your eyes to look at something
  • To visit a place often for sightseeing or pleasure
  • To visit or meet with someone
  • To find out by waiting or looking
  • To watch (a game, movie or TV show)

about

Copy vocabulary

US / ə'baʊt /

UK / əˈbaʊt /

A1
  • adverb
  • To be ready to; going to
  • Nearly; approximately; roughly
  • Near; next to; close to
  • In every direction; in the area of
  • preposition
  • Concerning or of (a topic)

make

Copy vocabulary

US / meɪk /

UK / mek /

A1
  • noun
  • Product made by a particular company; brand
  • verb
  • To arrange or prepare something e.g. dinner
  • To get to (a place) on time
  • To gain the status of (teacher, lawyer, etc.)
  • To create something by putting things together
  • To earn a certain amount of money at a job
  • To cause or force a person to do something
  • To cause something to happen or be formed

from

Copy vocabulary

US / frəm /

UK / frʌm, frɑm,frəm /

A1
  • preposition
  • Starting at a particular place, time or level

now

Copy vocabulary

US / naʊ /

UK / naʊ /

A1
  • adverb
  • At the present time or moment
  • Right away or in the next possible moment
  • Used to refer to something that just happened
  • Time between the present and a moment in the past
  • conjunction
  • Resulting from or because of something

think

Copy vocabulary

US / θɪŋk /

UK / θɪŋk /

A1
  • verb
  • To have an idea about something without certainty
  • To have an idea, opinion or belief about something

come

Copy vocabulary

US / kʌm /

UK / kʌm /

A1
  • verb
  • To arrive at a place
  • (Of mail) to be delivered
  • To move toward someone; go with someone
  • To reach a certain point or state

your

Copy vocabulary

US / jɔ: /

UK / jʊr, jɔr, jor,jə /

A1
  • determiner
  • Belonging to you; belonging to the other person

when

Copy vocabulary

US / wen /

UK / wɛn /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Concerning or during the time something happens
  • adverb
  • Word you use to ask about the time, or day
  • conjunction
  • Although
  • In the event that; if
  • pronoun
  • Which time

here

Copy vocabulary

US / hɪə(r) /

UK / hɪr /

A1
  • adverb
  • In this place; at this location, position or time

more

Copy vocabulary

US / mɔ:(r) /

UK / mɔr, mor /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • In addition; extra
  • Greater in amount, number, or size
  • adverb
  • To a greater degree; in greater quantity
  • For a longer period of time
  • determiner
  • Additional quantity
  • pronoun
  • A greater or additional number

because

Copy vocabulary

US / bɪ'kɒz /

UK / bɪˈkɔz, -ˈkʌz /

A1
  • conjunction
  • For a reason

look

Copy vocabulary

US / lʊk /

UK / lʊk /

A1
  • noun
  • Person's beauty or physical attractiveness
  • Particular style of dress, clothes, or appearance
  • The way someone, something appears to be
  • Act of searching for or examining something
  • verb
  • To appear to be; seem

well

Copy vocabulary

US / wel /

UK / wɛl /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Being in a fortunate, good condition or state
  • Healthy and in good condition
  • adverb
  • In an acceptable, proper, or successful manner
  • In a complete, total, or full manner
  • A great and considerable degree
  • In a successful way, in a good or satisfactory way
  • exclamation
  • Used to begin or continue a particular statement
  • Used to show you want to start saying something
  • Used to express that you are waiting for a reply
  • You say this to change the topic of a conversation
  • Used to indicate you are making a final remark
  • noun
  • Long deep hole in the ground to get water
  • verb
  • To cause your eyes to fill with tears

how

Copy vocabulary

US / haʊ /

UK / haʊ /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • To what degree? in what amount?
  • adverb
  • (Used to explain the way to do something)
  • exclamation
  • For what purpose or reason?
  • (Used to ask someone or something's condition)

some

Copy vocabulary

US / səm /

UK / sʌm /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Remarkable; very good (or very bad) in a way
  • Concerning a certain unclear degree, quantity
  • determiner
  • Used to refer to an unspecified amount or number
  • pronoun
  • Number of persons, things in a group, but not all

good

Copy vocabulary

US / ɡʊd /

UK / ɡʊd /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Proper, appropriate or right
  • (Of an amount) enough; plenty
  • Excellent; high quality
  • Acting well or properly; of moral character
  • In a positive or happy emotional state
  • noun
  • Advantage or benefit

right

Copy vocabulary

US / raɪt /

UK / raɪt /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Correct or true
  • The south side of you looking at the rising sun
  • adverb
  • Exactly in a place or time
  • Being appropriate for a particular event
  • In a straight or direct manner
  • noun
  • Something you are legally or morally allowed to do
  • Ideal of what is just and good
  • Political view based on conservatism
  • verb
  • To fix something previously wrong or unjust
  • To make upright, as a boat that has turned over

really

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈri:əli /

UK / ˈriəˌli, ˈrili /

A1
  • adverb
  • Used to stress something that is said; definitely
  • In a true or accurate manner
  • Very

thing

Copy vocabulary

US / θɪŋ /

UK / θɪŋ /

A1
  • noun
  • (Used to introduce the reason for something)
  • Something you cannot remember the name of

then

Copy vocabulary

US / ðen /

UK / ðɛn /

A1
  • adverb
  • A time that is not now
  • Following another thing in time or arrangement
  • Following on reasonably from what was just stated
  • At that time, not now

way

Copy vocabulary

US / weɪ /

UK / we /

A1
  • adverb
  • Used to emphasize the amount of something
  • noun
  • Particular aspect of something being thought about
  • One of various choices that could be made
  • Particular existing condition or state
  • (Often long) distance or length of time
  • How something is done
  • Route to go to a place
  • Small street
  • Usual behavior, emotions or habits of someone

these

Copy vocabulary

US / ði:z /

UK / ðiz /

A1
  • determiner
  • People, things, or ideas near you
  • pronoun
  • The objects near the speaker

into

Copy vocabulary

US / 'ɪntə /

UK / ˈɪntu /

A1
  • preposition
  • Moving or going inside something
  • In the same direction as; in the direction of
  • So as to become; taking the state of

where

Copy vocabulary

US / hwɛə /

UK / hwɛr, wɛr /

A1
  • conjunction
  • At or in the place which
  • In whatever place
  • pronoun
  • Word you use to ask the location of something

even

Copy vocabulary

US / 'i:vn /

UK / ˈivən /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Being equal in influence, power, possibility etc.
  • Being divided equally or fairly
  • (Of teams/contest) with similar chances of success
  • Smooth, level, or regular
  • Can be divided by 2; ending in 2, 4, 6, 8, or 0
  • At a regular, equally steady manner
  • Remaining steady and unchanging
  • adverb
  • (When this is surprising) as well; too
  • (Used to compare two things/stress the difference)
  • verb
  • To make something level; to flatten
  • To make something equal

over

Copy vocabulary

US / 'əʊvə(r) /

UK / ˈovɚ /

A1
  • adverb
  • Finished; no longer happening
  • Towards the ground/away from a standing position
  • noun
  • A set of six consecutive balls bowled in cricket
  • other
  • Finished
  • preposition
  • Showing the relation when a thing is above another
  • On or covering something
  • Above or across something
  • More than you need
  • From one side to the other
  • In the direction of; toward

much

Copy vocabulary

US / mʌtʃ /

UK / mʌtʃ /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Very; to a high level or degree
  • adverb
  • A lot; large amount; a high degree of
  • Nearly; basically
  • On many occasions; often
  • noun
  • A large amount; a great quantity

could

Copy vocabulary

US / kəd /

UK / kʊd /

A1
  • other
  • Past form of 'can' to mean have ability
  • Used to ask for something politely, or to offer

other

Copy vocabulary

US / 'ʌðə(r) /

UK / ˈʌðər /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • A thing different from that mentioned
  • determiner
  • (Something) else; not the first (one)
  • pronoun
  • Being the one and only thing of that category

very

Copy vocabulary

US / 'verɪ /

UK / ˈvɛri /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Concerning a large degree or amount
  • adverb
  • A lot; much; many
  • Used to stress or emphasize a noun

little

Copy vocabulary

US / 'lɪtl /

UK / ˈlɪtl /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Being short in length of time
  • Not great in size, amount, or degree; small
  • Being very young or younger than others
  • adverb
  • By an amount or degree that is not very much
  • Not often; rarely
  • noun
  • A person's name

which

Copy vocabulary

US / wɪtʃ /

UK / hwɪtʃ,wɪtʃ /

A1
  • determiner
  • Question word to ask about a person's choice
  • pronoun
  • (Used to describe something previously mentioned)
  • Question word to decide either, or

also

Copy vocabulary

US / 'ɔ:lsəʊ /

UK / ˈɔlso /

A1
  • adverb
  • In addition; too; in a similar way

lot

Copy vocabulary

US / lɒt /

UK / lɑt /

A1
  • noun
  • What happens to a person in life from chance; fate
  • A group of people seen together
  • Item for sale at an auction
  • Small area of land used for a purpose e.g. parking

our

Copy vocabulary

US / 'aʊə(r) /

UK / aʊr /

A1
  • determiner
  • Belonging to us

something

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈsʌmθɪŋ /

UK / ˈsʌmθɪŋ /

A1
  • adverb
  • In some degree or measure
  • noun
  • a person or thing of some value or consequence
  • pronoun
  • Thing that is not yet known or named
  • Approximately

try

Copy vocabulary

US / traɪ /

UK / traɪ /

A1
  • noun
  • Act of putting the ball over the rugby goal line
  • verb
  • To make an effort, to attempt to do something
  • To examine someone or something in a court of law
  • To test to see if it is good or you like it
  • To make a person go through hardship; test
  • To examine something to see if it works

mean

Copy vocabulary

US / mi:n /

UK / min /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Being good at
  • Nasty; unkind
  • Not liking to spend money; cheap; stingy
  • noun
  • Average of a set of numbers
  • verb
  • To express a particular idea or thought
  • To intend to do something in particular
  • To have a particular meaning or value

than

Copy vocabulary

US / ðən /

UK / ðən /

A1
  • conjunction
  • Used to compare two things that are not equal

only

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈəunli /

UK / ˈonli /

A1
  • adverb
  • Just one; just that amount or thing; not more than
  • Not very important or serious
  • Just that type of thing, person
  • Short time ago; not before a certain time
  • conjunction
  • Except; but

start

Copy vocabulary

US / stɑ:t /

UK / stɑrt /

A1
  • noun
  • First time or place that a thing exists; beginning
  • First opportunity to achieve something, e.g. a job
  • Sudden action or movement because you are scared
  • other
  • Beginning of something in place or time
  • verb
  • To do, be or happen for the first time; begin
  • To turn something on

their

Copy vocabulary

US / ðɛː /

UK / ðer /

A1
  • determiner
  • Belonging to them

actually

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈæktʃuəli /

UK / ˈæktʃuəli /

A1
  • adverb
  • Used to add new (often different) information

why

Copy vocabulary

US / waɪ /

UK / hwaɪ, waɪ /

A1
  • adverb
  • Question word to ask for a reason
  • exclamation
  • (Used to express surprise or approval)

too

Copy vocabulary

US / tu: /

UK / tu /

A1
  • adverb
  • In addition, also; with emphasis
  • Say that something is more than you want

tell

Copy vocabulary

US / tel /

UK / tɛl /

A1
  • verb
  • To (strongly) advise a person to do something
  • To be able to guess
  • To say or communicate information to someone
  • To inform, but without speaking; indicate
  • To have a negative effect on someone
  • To order someone to do something; command
  • To recognize something based on certain signs
  • To report something to an authority
  • To explain something or teach someone something

big

Copy vocabulary

US / bɪɡ /

UK / bɪɡ /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Popular
  • Serious
  • Large

kind

Copy vocabulary

US / kaɪnd /

UK / kaɪnd /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • In a caring and helpful manner
  • friendly and considerate
  • noun
  • One type of thing

find

Copy vocabulary

US / faɪnd /

UK / faɪnd /

A1
  • noun
  • Object discovered by chance
  • Things that have been discovered from searching
  • verb
  • To become aware of something that is happening
  • To discover or meet by chance
  • To decide if someone is guilty of a crime, or not
  • To learn through study, research, or effort
  • To discover something by looking for it

guy

Copy vocabulary

US / ɡaɪ /

UK / ɡaɪ /

A1
  • noun
  • Man; boy; any person

year

Copy vocabulary

US / jə: /

UK / jɪr /

A1
  • noun
  • Unit of time equal to 12 months or 365 or 366 days
  • Used to refer to the age of a person

most

Copy vocabulary

US / məʊst /

UK / most /

A1
  • adverb
  • Very; extremely
  • Greatest possible degree
  • determiner
  • Constituting nearly all of something
  • pronoun
  • Nearly all of something

yeah

Copy vocabulary

US / jeə /

UK / ˈjɛə, ˈjæə, jɛ- /

A1
  • exclamation
  • Another way of saying 'yes'

show

Copy vocabulary

US / ʃəʊ /

UK / ʃo /

A1
  • noun
  • False display of love, emotion or action
  • An event for displaying or promoting goods
  • Play, opera or theater production
  • Presentation that is broadcast on TV or radio
  • verb
  • To be easily seen or displayed
  • To display your emotions or feelings
  • To let someone see something; display
  • To explain or teach how something is done
  • To lead someone somewhere; point them to something
  • To prove something to be true, correct
  • To reveal or allow something to be seen

talk

Copy vocabulary

US / tɔ:k /

UK / tɔk /

A1
  • noun
  • Style of speaking
  • Discussion between two countries
  • Giving information in front of people; lecture
  • Saying things or ideas to someone with words
  • verb
  • To make a formal speech about something
  • To say things or ideas to someone with words

bit

Copy vocabulary

US / bɪt /

UK / bɪt /

A1
  • noun
  • Device put in a horse's mouth to control it
  • Small piece of something
  • verb
  • (E.g. of fish) to take bait and be caught

last

Copy vocabulary

US / lɑ:st /

UK / læst /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Most recent; the latest
  • The one before
  • adverb
  • Final; with nothing following; after all others
  • Most recent; the latest
  • determiner
  • The one at the end
  • verb
  • To remain or continue for a certain period of time

keep

Copy vocabulary

US / ki:p /

UK / kip /

A1
  • noun
  • Large, strong tower in the middle of a castle
  • Money spent on you so you can live in a place
  • verb
  • To continue doing something; not to stop
  • To stop balls going in a goal in sports
  • To not give back or return something
  • (Of food) to not spoil or not rot
  • To take possession of something to own, e.g. a pet
  • To have and continue to hold something
  • To do something that you have promised or agreed
  • To stay in a certain place or condition
  • To maintain the rules

thank

Copy vocabulary

US / θæŋk /

UK / θæŋk /

A1
  • verb
  • To tell someone you are grateful to them

happen

Copy vocabulary

US / 'hæpən /

UK / ˈhæpən /

A1
  • verb
  • To take place or occur

many

Copy vocabulary

US / 'menɪ /

UK / ˈmɛni /

A1
  • determiner
  • Used to refer a large number of things

long

Copy vocabulary

US / lɒŋ /

UK / lɔŋ, lɑŋ /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Large distance from one end to the other
  • Having many parts, e.g. a book with many chapters
  • adverb
  • For a large amount of time
  • noun
  • Person's name
  • verb
  • To have a strong desire for something or someone

end

Copy vocabulary

US / end /

UK / ɛnd /

A1
  • noun
  • The point where a process or activity stops
  • A point that marks the limit of something; finish
  • Goal or desired result
  • The tip, edge or limit of something
  • verb
  • To be the last part of something

three

Copy vocabulary

US / θri: /

UK / θri /

A1
  • number
  • Number 3

probably

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈprɒbəbli /

UK / ˈprɑbəbli /

A1
  • adverb
  • That is likely to happen or be true

bad

Copy vocabulary

US / bæd /

UK / bæd /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Not good; wrong
  • Lacking in good morals; evil
  • No longer fresh; spoiled

place

Copy vocabulary

US / pleɪs /

UK / ples /

A1
  • noun
  • Particular location, area or region
  • verb
  • To put someone in a particular type of situation
  • To put something in a certain location or position

though

Copy vocabulary

US / ðəu /

UK / ðo /

A1
  • adverb
  • Although, despite the fact that

run

Copy vocabulary

US / rʌn /

UK / rʌn /

A1
  • noun
  • Journey between two places made by ship or car
  • Series of similar things or successes and failures
  • Act of running; exercise of running
  • verb
  • To depart or travel according to a schedule
  • To cause an animal to move in a certain direction
  • (Of an engine) to be operating
  • To start or use a computer program
  • To flow in a certain direction, like a liquid
  • To manage or operate a business
  • To operate or drive something
  • (Of a road) to go from one place to another
  • To move your legs faster than walking

hard

Copy vocabulary

US / hɑ:d /

UK / hɑː(r)d /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Difficult to do; difficult to understand
  • (Of facts) not able to be misunderstood; clear
  • (Of alcohol) strong
  • Involving or requiring lots of work, effort, care
  • Being full of pain, trouble, and problems
  • Strong
  • (Of edge) clear; sharp
  • Difficult to bend, break or cut; solid
  • adverb
  • With lots of force, power, or impact

hear

Copy vocabulary

US / hɪə(r) /

UK / hɪr /

A1
  • verb
  • To be aware of sound; to perceive with the ear
  • To be told or find out information or facts
  • To consider or listen to a court case

top

Copy vocabulary

US / tɒp /

UK / tɑp /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Being good or great; excellent
  • Being the most in degree or quality
  • noun
  • Item of clothing covering shoulders to waist, hips
  • A cover or lid
  • Part (e.g. road) that is the furthest away
  • Highest or upper part or point of something
  • Best or highest status or position
  • Flat upper surface or edge of an object
  • Child's toy that spins on its point
  • Upper section or leaves of fruits and vegetables
  • Winning in a sport or contest
  • verb
  • To be higher or larger than a specific value
  • To arrive at the highest point of something
  • To put a cover or layer or over something
  • To kill; murder
  • To hold the highest position on a list
  • To be more important, successful or better than
  • To beat someone or win at a game

change

Copy vocabulary

US / tʃeɪndʒ /

UK / tʃendʒ /

A1
  • noun
  • Exchange of one set of clothes for another
  • Money in the form of coins instead of paper
  • Money returned after giving too much
  • Act of making or becoming something else
  • verb
  • To exchange one set of clothes for another
  • To exchange one kind of money for another
  • To replace something with another thing
  • To make or become something else
  • To go from one train, bus, etc. and go to another

few

Copy vocabulary

US / fju: /

UK / fju /

A1
  • pronoun
  • Not many, a small number

both

Copy vocabulary

US / bəuθ /

UK / boθ /

A1
  • determiner
  • Used to refer to two things at the same time
  • pronoun
  • Used to refer to two things at the same time

number

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈnʌmbə(r) /

UK / ˈnʌmbɚ /

A1
  • noun
  • Symbols such as 1, 2, 56, 793
  • Particular song or dance performed during a show
  • Total quantity or amount of things
  • verb
  • To put numbers on things
  • To assign a sequence within a group, series, set
  • To claim to be part of a larger group, series, set

set

Copy vocabulary

US / set /

UK / sɛt /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Prepared for something; ready
  • noun
  • Complete group of something
  • Place where a television show or movie is filmed
  • Group of games in a tennis match
  • Device that receives radio or television signals
  • verb
  • To make a clock state or ring at a particular time
  • To decide upon or choose something
  • To make something ready for use (e.g. table)
  • To decide on a price for something
  • To become hard (of glue, concrete etc.)
  • To be located in a specific place or time
  • To put (e.g. a vase) down carefully in a place
  • To put someone in a certain condition or state
  • (Of the sun) to go lower than the horizon

high

Copy vocabulary

US / haɪ /

UK / haɪ /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Excited or relaxed from taking drugs
  • Being of excellent quality or excellent standards
  • Larger than usual in number, amount or degree
  • Holding an important or powerful position
  • With a sound close to the top of the musical scale
  • Rising upward a great distance
  • adverb
  • At or to a place far above the ground
  • At a great value, amount or price
  • In a way that shows a lot of wealth
  • noun
  • (Weather) area of increased pressure

old

Copy vocabulary

US / əʊld /

UK / old /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Having existed for a long time, not young or new
  • Age of a person since birth

five

Copy vocabulary

US / faɪv /

UK / faɪv /

A1
  • number
  • 5

definitely

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈdefɪnətli /

UK / ˈdefɪnətli /

A2
  • adverb
  • Without question; beyond doubt

reason

Copy vocabulary

US / 'ri:zn /

UK / ˈrizən /

A1
  • noun
  • Ability to think about facts and form a judgment
  • Explanation for why something occurred or was done
  • verb
  • To think and make conclusions in a logical manner

such

Copy vocabulary

US / sʌtʃ /

UK / sʌtʃ /

A1
  • adverb
  • (Used to emphasize the quality of an adjective)
  • determiner
  • Being similar to
  • (Thing) as previously stated or referred to

problem

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈprɒbləm /

UK / ˈprɑbləm /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Causing trouble
  • noun
  • Something difficult to deal with or causes trouble
  • Question to show understanding of a math concept

kid

Copy vocabulary

US / kɪd /

UK / kɪd /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Made from young goat skin
  • noun
  • Child or young person
  • Young goat
  • verb
  • To make fun of someone in a gentle way; to tease

important

Copy vocabulary

US / ɪmˈpɔ:tnt /

UK / ɪmˈpɔrtnt /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Having power or authority
  • Having a big effect on (person, the future)

buy

Copy vocabulary

US / baɪ /

UK / baɪ /

A1
  • noun
  • Something you pay for
  • verb
  • To believe something; accept
  • To get something by paying money for it

behind

Copy vocabulary

US / bɪˈhaɪnd /

UK / bɪˈhaɪnd /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Concerning a later or slower time than expected
  • Being in a losing position in a sporting event
  • Being in the past; old fashioned
  • adverb
  • Remaining
  • noun
  • The part of the body that one sits on
  • preposition
  • At or toward the back of someone or something
  • Supporting or helping someone

lead

Copy vocabulary

US / li:d /

UK / lid /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Being the main part in movies or plays
  • noun
  • Wire for electricity, computer, etc.; cable
  • Information that could help to solve a crime
  • Main part in a play or movie
  • Heavy, gray metal element
  • Rope used to tie something to stop it escaping
  • Act of being at the front in a race or game
  • verb
  • To show the way or guide others
  • To be at the front of a race or game
  • To travel in front of; go in advance of others

sometimes

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈsʌmtaɪmz /

UK / ˈsʌmˌtaɪmz /

A1
  • adverb
  • Only at certain times; occasionally

especially

Copy vocabulary

US / ɪˈspeʃəli /

UK / ɛˈspɛʃəli, ɪˈspɛʃ- /

A1
  • adverb
  • More than usual; extremely

story

Copy vocabulary

US / 'stɔ:rɪ /

UK / ˈstɔri, ˈstori /

A1
  • noun
  • One of many floors or levels in a building
  • Account or description of how something happened

outside

Copy vocabulary

US / ˌaʊtˈsaɪd /

UK / aʊtˈsaɪd, ˈaʊtˌsaɪd /

A2
  • adverb
  • Beyond the limits or edges of some place, thing
  • noun
  • Area around or near something, such as a building
  • preposition
  • Beyond the limits or edges of some place, thing

share

Copy vocabulary

US / ʃeə(r) /

UK / ʃɛr /

A2
  • noun
  • Part-ownership in a property, business or company
  • Part of a company you own, shown by a certificate
  • verb
  • To divide something between two or more people
  • To allow others to use your things equally
  • To give information, etc. to someone

state

Copy vocabulary

US / steɪt /

UK / stet /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Concerning region within a country
  • noun
  • Region within a country, with its own government
  • Situation or condition something is in
  • verb
  • To say; declare as fact

baby

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈbeɪbi /

UK / ˈbeɪbi /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Small in size; smaller than usual
  • noun
  • A very young child, who cannot yet speak
  • verb
  • To treat someone as if they were newly born

country

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈkʌntri /

UK / ˈkʌntri /

A1
  • noun
  • An area of land that is controlled by a government
  • Open land that is away from towns and cities

future

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈfju:tʃə(r) /

UK / ˈfjutʃɚ /

A1
  • noun
  • Time that is to come after the present

system

Copy vocabulary

US / 'sɪstəm /

UK / ˈsɪstəm /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Working in an organized, logical way
  • noun
  • Set of organized, planned ideas that work together

jump

Copy vocabulary

US / dʒʌmp /

UK / dʒʌmp /

A1
  • noun
  • Large sudden increase
  • An act of springing into the air
  • Bar or other thing that is jumped over
  • A sudden movement due to surprise
  • verb
  • To attack someone suddenly
  • To push your body into the air with your legs
  • To suddenly decide to do something
  • To make a sudden movement due to surprise

issue

Copy vocabulary

US / 'ɪʃu: /

UK / ˈɪʃu /

A2
  • noun
  • Important topic discussed, debated or argued over
  • Single edition of a magazine
  • verb
  • To make something available to be used or sold
  • To deliver a statement, etc. in an official manner

push

Copy vocabulary

US / pʊʃ /

UK / pʊʃ /

A1
  • noun
  • Movement into enemy country with a military attack
  • Encouragement to convince someone to do something
  • Action of forcing something away from you
  • Act of forcing a change in price, quantity etc.
  • verb
  • To move into enemy country with a military attack
  • To press down (a button or a switch)
  • To attempt to make someone accept certain beliefs
  • To encourage or convince someone do something
  • To force something away from you
  • To force a change in a quantity, price, number

join

Copy vocabulary

US / dʒɔɪn /

UK / dʒɔɪn /

A1
  • verb
  • To bring something close to another, to become one
  • To become a member of
  • To participate in an activity with others

usually

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈju:ʒuəli /

UK / ˈjuːʒuəli /

A1
  • adverb
  • Normally; regularly

term

Copy vocabulary

US / tɜ:m /

UK / tɚm /

A1
  • noun
  • Conditions applying to an agreement, contract
  • Length of time something is expected to happen
  • Fixed period of weeks for learning at school
  • The (precise) name given to something
  • verb
  • To call; give a name to

list

Copy vocabulary

US / lɪst /

UK / lɪst /

A1
  • noun
  • Lean of a boat to one side
  • Series of written names, words or numbers
  • verb
  • To lean to one side, like a boat or ship
  • To present for sale for a specific price
  • To write a series of names, words, or numbers

season

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈsi:zn /

UK / ˈsizən /

A1
  • noun
  • One of Spring, Summer, Autumn (Fall) and Winter
  • Time of year when something usually happens
  • verb
  • To add pepper and salt to something
  • To prepare wood for use by allowing it to dry

information

Copy vocabulary

US / ˌɪnfəˈmeɪʃn /

UK / ˌɪnfɚˈmeʃən /

A1
  • noun
  • Collection of facts and details about something

appreciate

Copy vocabulary

US / ə'pri:ʃɪeɪt /

UK / əˈpriʃiˌet /

A2
  • verb
  • To rise in value (of property or belongings)
  • To be thankful for; to value or admire

brand

Copy vocabulary

US / brænd /

UK / brænd /

A2
  • noun
  • A mark burned on an animal to show who owns it
  • Product made or designed by a named company
  • verb
  • To burn a mark on an animal to show who owns it
  • To describe someone as a liar, coward, etc.
  • To give a famous name to a product or service

cause

Copy vocabulary

US / kɔ:z /

UK / kɔz /

A2
  • noun
  • Belief, goal or organization that people support
  • Reason for
  • verb
  • To make something happen; create effect or result

tough

Copy vocabulary

US / tʌf /

UK / tʌf /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • (Of food) difficult to chew or bite through
  • Very difficult to do or deal with
  • Having strict standards
  • Being firm and not easily bent or broken
  • Being strong physically or mentally
  • Being difficult to persuade
  • Capable of violence

cost

Copy vocabulary

US / kɒst /

UK / kɔ:st /

A1
  • noun
  • A loss or damage occurring when meeting a goal
  • The price you pay for something
  • verb
  • To make someone suffer or lose something of value

general

Copy vocabulary

US / 'dʒenrəl /

UK / ˈdʒɛnərəl /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Widespread, normal or usual
  • noun
  • Top ranked officer in the army

quality

Copy vocabulary

US / 'kwɒlətɪ /

UK / ˈkwɑlɪti /

A2
  • noun
  • Feature associated with someone or something
  • High level of worth or excellence

particular

Copy vocabulary

US / pəˈtɪkjələ(r) /

UK / pɚˈtɪkjəlɚ, pəˈtɪk- /

B2
  • adjecitve
  • One specific (one)
  • Having firm ideas about what is desirable
  • Being special or more than is typical

class

Copy vocabulary

US / klɑ:s /

UK / klæs /

A1
  • noun
  • Quality of that shows good taste; refinement
  • A group that shares something in common
  • Rank or level in society people belonging to
  • A group of people who study together in school
  • verb
  • To place things into groups by common qualities
  • To rank people in society from high to low

currently

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈkʌrəntli /

UK / ˈkʌrənt(ə)li /

A2
  • adverb
  • Happening or being in the present time

market

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈmɑ:kɪt /

UK / ˈmɑ:rkɪt /

A1
  • noun
  • Need or demand for a particular product or service
  • Area or region where a certain product is sold
  • Public event where people sell goods on tables
  • Institution where stocks are bought and sold
  • verb
  • To publicize products to get you to buy; advertise

decade

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈdekeɪd /

UK / ˈdɛkˌed, dɛˈked /

B1
  • noun
  • Period of 10 years

united

Copy vocabulary

US / jʊ'naɪtɪd /

UK / juˈnaɪtɪd /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Joined or combined together
  • verb
  • To join or come together for the same goal

expensive

Copy vocabulary

US / ɪkˈspensɪv /

UK / ɪkˈspɛnsɪv /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Costing a lot of money

particularly

Copy vocabulary

US / pəˈtikjuləli /

UK / pɚˈtɪkjələli, pəˈtɪk- /

A2
  • adverb
  • Specially; more than others

cheap

Copy vocabulary

US / tʃi:p /

UK / tʃip /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Not costing a lot of money
  • Having a low quality or value
  • Not liking to spend money; mean; stingy

correct

Copy vocabulary

US / kə'rekt /

UK / kəˈrɛkt /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Being suitable and appropriate for an occasion
  • True or accurate
  • verb
  • To fix a problem
  • To write marks on a piece of work to show mistakes
  • To punish in order to improve

global

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈgləʊbl /

UK / ˈgloʊbl /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Concerning, involving, affecting all of something
  • Of, affecting, or involving the entire world

factor

Copy vocabulary

US / 'fæktə(r) /

UK / ˈfæktɚ /

A2
  • noun
  • Something that influences a result
  • verb
  • To consider or include in an estimate or judgment
  • To find the two numbers a number can be divided by

supply

Copy vocabulary

US / sə'plaɪ /

UK / səˈplaɪ /

A2
  • noun
  • Availability of products and services for use
  • Specific things needed to perform a certain task
  • verb
  • To give or sell goods to others for their use

limited

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈlɪmɪtɪd /

UK / ˈlɪmɪtɪd /

B1
  • adjecitve
  • (Of a company) with a limit of financial liability
  • With restrictions; not broad in scope
  • verb
  • To stop or prevent an increase past a point

plant

Copy vocabulary

US / plɑ:nt /

UK / plænt /

A2
  • noun
  • Factory or a place where things are made
  • Living thing with leaves and roots growing in soil
  • verb
  • To firmly position something (in the ground)
  • To put seeds, flowers, trees in the ground

expert

Copy vocabulary

US / 'ekspɜ:t /

UK / ˈɛkˌspɚt /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Having special knowledge or skill
  • noun
  • Skillful person with special knowledge

thin

Copy vocabulary

US / θɪn /

UK / θɪn /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Flowing with ease; with a high percentage of water
  • (Of air) having little oxygen
  • Being or growing far apart in small amounts
  • Not thick; not wide in size
  • Having little flesh or fat on the body
  • Being weak or useless
  • verb
  • To make flow more easily by adding water or liquid
  • To reduce something in amount, number or density

medical

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈmedɪkl /

UK / ˈmɛdɪkəl /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Of or relating to physical health or medicine
  • noun
  • A health check or test

pandemic

Copy vocabulary

US / pæn'demɪk /

UK / pænˈdɛmɪk /

C2
  • adjecitve
  • (of a disease) existing in almost all of an area or in almost all of a group of people, animals, or
  • noun
  • a pandemic disease

drug

Copy vocabulary

US / drʌɡ /

UK / drʌɡ /

A2
  • noun
  • Illegal substance taken for effect on the mind
  • Chemical used as a medicine
  • verb
  • To give drugs to someone to make them sleep

chain

Copy vocabulary

US / tʃeɪn /

UK / tʃen /

A2
  • noun
  • Series of events or things that are connected
  • Series of (metal) connected links or rings
  • verb
  • To feel to be bound or tied to
  • To connect or tie with a rope made of metal links

policy

Copy vocabulary

US / 'pɒləsɪ /

UK / ˈpɑlɪsi /

A2
  • noun
  • Document stating terms of an insurance agreement
  • Course of action proposed by an organization, etc.

graphic

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈgræfɪk /

UK / ˈɡræfɪk /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Concerning things that are drawn
  • In clear detail, often when unpleasant in some way
  • noun
  • Picture or drawing used to show something clearly

crisis

Copy vocabulary

US / 'kraɪsɪs /

UK / ˈkraɪsɪs /

B1
  • noun
  • Unstable situation of extreme danger or difficulty

winter

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈwɪntə(r) /

UK / ˈwɪntɚ /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • (Food) planted in fall and gathered next year
  • noun
  • Time or season of idleness or decay
  • Coldest season of the year
  • verb
  • To spend the cold months at a certain place

ingredient

Copy vocabulary

US / ɪnˈgri:diənt /

UK / ɪnˈɡridiənt /

B1
  • noun
  • Food item used when making a meal or drink
  • Quality necessary to be something to work well

dozen

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈdʌzn /

UK / ˈdʌzən /

A2
  • noun
  • 12 people or things

dynamic

Copy vocabulary

US / daɪˈnæmɪk /

UK / daiˈnæmik /

B1
  • adjecitve
  • Always active or energetic; getting things done

contribute

Copy vocabulary

US / kən'trɪbju:t /

UK / kənˈtrɪbjut /

A2
  • verb
  • To be a factor in causing something to happen
  • To donate, give (money) or help to something
  • To write articles for a magazine or newspaper

competitive

Copy vocabulary

US / kəmˈpetətɪv /

UK / kəmˈpɛtɪtɪv /

B1
  • adjecitve
  • Being strongly driven to win or be better than

discussion

Copy vocabulary

US / dɪˈskʌʃn /

UK / dɪˈskʌʃən /

A2
  • noun
  • Any long communication about a particular topic

closely

Copy vocabulary

US / 'kləʊslɪ /

UK / ˈkloslɪ /

A2
  • adverb
  • In a careful manner
  • Nearby; just next to

exit

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈeksɪt /

UK / ˈɛɡzɪt, ˈɛksɪt /

A2
  • noun
  • A door that you go through to leave a place
  • Act of leaving a place
  • verb
  • To leave a certain place
  • To stop a computer program after using it

profit

Copy vocabulary

US / 'prɒfɪt /

UK / 'prɑ:fɪt /

A2
  • noun
  • Benefit from doing something
  • Money earned from sales, after costs are deducted
  • verb
  • To be a benefit to someone
  • To earn money from something

formula

Copy vocabulary

US / 'fɔ:mjələ /

UK / ˈfɔrmjələ /

A2
  • noun
  • A mathematical or scientific rule
  • Plan, rule or method for doing or making something

frequently

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈfri:kwəntli /

UK / ˈfrikwəntlɪ /

A2
  • adverb
  • Often; regularly

manufacturer

Copy vocabulary

US / ˌmænjuˈfæktʃərə(r) /

UK / ˌmænjəˈfæktʃəɚ /

A2
  • noun
  • Group or company that makes a certain product

commonly

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈkɒmənli /

UK / ˈkɑmənlɪ /

A2
  • adverb
  • Typically, normally; not unusually

eric

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈerɪk /

UK / /

A1

infrastructure

Copy vocabulary

US / 'ɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r) /

UK / ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌktʃɚ /

B1
  • noun
  • Basic necessary equipment for a country or region

historic

Copy vocabulary

US / hɪˈstɒrɪk /

UK / hɪˈstɔrɪk, -ˈstɑr- /

B1
  • adjecitve
  • (Of past event) having an effect on future; famous
  • Connected with the past

shortage

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈʃɔ:tɪdʒ /

UK / ˈʃɔ:rtɪdʒ /

A2
  • noun
  • A lack of something necessary

margin

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈmɑ:dʒɪn /

UK / ˈmɑ:rdʒən /

B1
  • noun
  • Edge of an area
  • Edge or border of a page on above, below
  • Profit; money left over after all costs

manufacturing

Copy vocabulary

US / ˌmænjuˈfæktʃərɪŋ /

UK / ˌmænjəˈfæktʃərɪŋ /

A2
  • noun
  • The act of making things in factories
  • verb
  • To produce large numbers of products in a factory
  • To create a story or explanation that is not true

generic

Copy vocabulary

US / dʒə'nerɪk /

UK / dʒəˈnɛrɪk /

B2
  • adjecitve
  • Concerning a product without a brand name
  • Concerning an entire class, category, or group

incentive

Copy vocabulary

US / ɪnˈsentɪv /

UK / ɪnˈsɛntɪv /

B1
  • noun
  • Something that encourages you to do something

alliance

Copy vocabulary

US / əˈlaɪəns /

UK / əˈlaɪəns /

B1
  • noun
  • Group of people/organizations working together

robust

Copy vocabulary

US / rəʊˈbʌst /

UK / roˈbʌst, ˈroˌbʌst /

B2
  • adjecitve
  • Having physical vigor or energetic good health

transparency

Copy vocabulary

US / trænsˈpærənsi /

UK / trænsˈpɛrənsi, -ˈpær- /

B2
  • noun
  • Quality of being open to see/to public criticism
  • Fact of being able to be seen through
  • Quality of being clear and easily understood

prescription

Copy vocabulary

US / prɪˈskrɪpʃn /

UK / prɪˈskrɪpʃən /

B2
  • noun
  • Specific medicine officially ordered for a patient
  • Set of appropriate guidelines for something

inspection

Copy vocabulary

US / ɪnˈspekʃn /

UK / ɪnˈspɛkʃən /

B1
  • noun
  • Official examination to make sure everything is ok

inexpensive

Copy vocabulary

US / ˌɪnɪkˈspensɪv /

UK / ˌɪnɪkˈspɛnsɪv /

B1
  • adjecitve
  • Having a low price; cheap

respiratory

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈrespərəˌtɔ:ri:, -ˌtəʊri:, rɪˈspaɪərə- /

UK / ˈrɛspərəˌtɔri, -ˌtori, rɪˈspaɪrə- /

C1
  • adjecitve
  • (Medical) concerning breathing

uniquely

Copy vocabulary

US / jʊ'ni:klɪ /

UK / jʊ'ni:klɪ /

A2
  • adverb
  • In an unusual manner

antibiotic

Copy vocabulary

US / ˌæntibaɪˈɒtɪk /

UK / ˌæntibaɪˈɑ:tɪk /

B1
  • adjecitve
  • (Drug) used to fight certain kinds of diseases
  • noun
  • Medicine that kills bacteria to fight infections

oversight

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈəʊvəsaɪt /

UK / ˈoʊvərsaɪt /

C2
  • noun
  • A mistake; something you forget to do
  • Supervision of someone or something

fda

Copy vocabulary

US / ˌef diː ˈeɪ /

UK / ˌef diː ˈeɪ /

A1
  • abbreviation
  • FDA is an acronym

meg

Copy vocabulary

US / meɡ /

UK / meɡ /

A1

exacerbate

Copy vocabulary

US / ɪɡ'zæsəbeɪt /

UK / ɪɡˈzæsɚˌbet /

B2
  • verb
  • To increase the severity or bitterness of

murky

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈmɜ:ki: /

UK / ˈmɜrki /

B2
  • adjecitve
  • Being dark, unclear, and difficult to see through
  • Difficult to find out about; secret; dark
  • Concerning secret activities, often illegal

emblematic

Copy vocabulary

US / ˌembləˈmætɪk /

UK / ˌɛmbləˈmætɪk /

B2
  • adjecitve
  • Visual sign or symbol of (nation or organization)

terrell

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈtɛrəl /

UK / /

A1

antimicrobial

Copy vocabulary

US / ˌæntɪmaɪ'krəʊbɪəl /

UK / ˌæntɪmaɪ'kroʊbɪrl /

A1
  • other
  • Capable of destroying or inhibiting the growth of disease-causing microorganisms

amoxicillin

Copy vocabulary

US / əˈmɒksɪˌsɪlɪn /

UK / əˌmɑksɪˈsɪlɪn /

A1
  • noun
  • Antibiotic; a semisynthetic oral penicillin (trade names Amoxil and Larotid and Polymox and Trimox a
  • Introduction to Video Content
  • Antibiotics are essential drugs that have been on the market for a long time, providing affordable and effective treatment for various infections. However, the availability of antibiotics has become increasingly scarce, posing a significant challenge to patients in need. This article delves into the causes and consequences of the current antibiotic shortage in the United States, shedding light on the broader issue of generic drug scarcity.According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there are currently more than three dozen antibiotics listed as in shortage. When examining the FDA's shortages list, it becomes evident that antibiotics are among the most frequently affected drugs. The top category of drugs facing shortages is antimicrobials, which includes various classes of antibiotics.One major contributing factor to the antibiotic shortage is the recent respiratory season, which has put an added strain on the demand for these drugs. However, this is not the sole reason for the scarcity. Instead, it serves as a symbol of a larger problem with generic drugs in general.Historically, antibiotics have been available as generic drugs, making them inexpensive. The lack of strong financial incentives for manufacturers to maintain robust supply chains is a key reason behind the shortage. As old drugs, the profitability margins for antibiotics are often thin, leading manufacturers to exit the market. This exit contributes to the scarcity and makes it increasingly difficult for patients to access these essential medications.Another significant challenge lies in the opaque nature of antibiotic supply chains. The exact origins of all the ingredients used in antibiotic production are often unknown, making transparency a major concern. Moreover, a considerable portion of the antibiotic manufacturing process takes place outside the United States. This global distribution further adds to the complexity of supply chain management and may hinder efforts to address shortages.To gain further insight into the factors driving antibiotic shortages, the End Drug Shortages Alliance's Eric Tishy was interviewed. He emphasized the high cost of cheap drugs in the market. With tight profit margins, manufacturers may opt to exit the market, exacerbating the shortage crisis.In conclusion, the current shortage of antibiotics in the United States represents a significant issue that greatly impacts patients' access to necessary medications. While various factors contribute to this situation, including the strain of the recent respiratory season and the lack of financial incentives for manufacturers, the general problem of generic drug scarcity plays an essential role. Addressing the antibiotic shortage requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both the financial sustainability of manufacturing and the transparency and management of supply chains.
  • Subtitles section
  • Antibiotics are some of the oldest, cheapest, and most important drugs on the market, but right now they can be very hard to come by.
  • Meg Terrell looks at what's causing this prescription drug crisis.
  • Meg?
  • Yeah guys, if you've tried to get antibiotics for your kids over the last winter season, you've probably seen how hard it is to come by amoxicillin.
  • That is one of many antibiotics that is currently in shortage.
  • More than three dozen right now on the FDA's shortages list, and antibiotics are some of the drugs most frequently found to be in shortage.
  • We've got a graphic here to show you the classes of drugs which you most commonly find on this list.
  • Antimicrobials are at the top there.
  • It's been a tough respiratory season, so that is contributing to this, but that is not the only reason.
  • It's emblematic of a really bigger problem with generic drugs in general.
  • You can see that we're at a historic high right now when it comes to drug shortages.
  • That looks at the number of shortages over the last five years.
  • There are a few reasons why this happened.
  • Antibiotics in particular are usually very old drugs, so they're very inexpensive, so there isn't the incentive there for manufacturers to keep their supply chains really robust.
  • There are also really murky supply chains.
  • We don't know where all the ingredients are made, so there's not a lot of transparency into what is going on, and a lot of this happens outside the United States.
  • We talked with Eric Tishy from the End Drug Shortages Alliance about some of these factors.
  • Here's what he told us.
  • There is a high cost to cheap drugs.
  • In a competitive market, sometimes the profit margins can be very thin, and it could lead manufacturers to exit the market.
  • If something happens with that limited number of manufacturers, that can be a way that we end up with shortages, and then there's not a lot of incentives for manufacturers to jump in.
  • We did see this get exacerbated with the pandemic, but it wasn't caused by the pandemic.
  • This has been going on for decades, and it has gotten a lot worse.
  • There is a high cost to cheap drugs.
  • Is this a global problem, or is this a U.S. problem that also has to do with how we, I don't know, run our medical system?
  • Well, it's not a uniquely U.S. problem, but it is especially bad here.
  • You do hear about drug shortages happening in other countries, though, particularly the U.K., but we do run into issues a lot, because our generic drugs are actually cheaper in the U.S. than they are in other countries,
  • Even though our branded drugs are way more expensive.
  • I mean, I think about this.
  • I think about the baby formula shortages that went on for way too long and are only just starting to be corrected a little bit now.
  • What is the policy that's in place, or is there discussion about future policy to try and change this dynamic?
  • Definitely.
  • The FDA is looking at this really closely, both in terms of drug shortages and the formula shortages.
  • A lot of it has to do with the infrastructure, the plants that are making these things, the kind of inspections that FDA does, the kind of oversight it has, how much information we get about the quality of things.
  • That is something that a lot of the experts are pushing for.
  • Can they share more of that quality information, so it's not just pass-fail?
  • You actually know how good the quality of the manufacturing is behind things you buy.
  • Meg Terrell, thank you for joining us on set with such an important story.
  • Thank you, guys.
  • I appreciate it.