dearth
Noun
Medium difficulty
What does “dearth” mean?
noun.a scarcity or lack of something.
SAT Usage
"dearth" often appears in contexts discussing economic issues, resource availability, or social conditions, emphasizing a significant insufficiency that affects outcomes or decisions. Unlike similar terms like "scarcity," which can imply a temporary shortage, "dearth" suggests a more profound and troubling absence, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Common Confusions
Dearth implies a severe and troubling absence of something essential, while scarcity usually suggests a temporary shortage that may not severely impact outcomes.
Do not choose dearth if the context emphasizes abundance or plenty rather than a scarcity or lack of something.
Example Sentences
-
A dearth of rainfall left the crops dry and withered.
-
A dearth of rainfall ruined the crops.