Dearth: meaning, definitions and examples

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dearth

 

[ dərθ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

lack of

A scarcity or lack of something. Dearth is often used to describe a shortage or insufficiency of a particular resource or commodity. It can also refer to a period of famine or extreme scarcity.

Synonyms

deficiency, insufficiency, lack, scarcity, shortage

Examples of usage

  • There is a dearth of clean drinking water in many developing countries.
  • The dearth of affordable housing in the city has become a pressing issue.
  • During the drought, there was a dearth of crops in the region.
  • The dearth of qualified candidates for the job position was concerning.
  • Many families faced a dearth of food during the economic crisis.

Translations

Translations of the word "dearth" in other languages:

🇵🇹 escassez

🇮🇳 कमी

🇩🇪 Mangel

🇮🇩 kekurangan

🇺🇦 нестача

🇵🇱 niedobór

🇯🇵 不足 (fusoku)

🇫🇷 pénurie

🇪🇸 escasez

🇹🇷 kıtlık

🇰🇷 부족 (bujok)

🇸🇦 ندرة (nadra)

🇨🇿 nedostatek

🇸🇰 nedostatok

🇨🇳 缺乏 (quēfá)

🇸🇮 pomanjkanje

🇮🇸 skortur

🇰🇿 жетіспеушілік

🇬🇪 ნაკლებობა (nakleboba)

🇦🇿 çatışmazlıq

🇲🇽 escasez

Etymology

The word 'dearth' originated from the Middle English word 'derthe', meaning scarcity or famine. It has been used in the English language since the 12th century. The term has evolved over time to represent a lack or shortage of something essential. In various historical contexts, dearth has been associated with economic hardships, food shortages, and resource scarcity.

See also: dear, dearly, endear.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,909, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.