a scarcity of water

USAGE SUMMARY

"a scarcity of water" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to an amount of water that is below what is usual or needed. For example: "Due to the extreme drought, there has been a scarcity of water in the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"Whenever there is a scarcity of water, when there is erosion of soil, people are competing for these scarce resources.

The Guardian

The area is planted with what grows despite a scarcity of water: cereal grains like wheat, barley and corn.

The New York Times

"This region has a scarcity of water and with more water we can prevent trachoma," says Alemu Ashale, co-ordinator of disease prevention and health, in Konso.

The Guardian

Black-empowerment laws, a scarcity of water and electricity as well as a restive workforce make it a difficult place to operate.

The Economist

In recent years, it has been yoked, through its loans and through its owner, to a tale of the American West; of forestland, big plans, a scarcity of water and a devastating infestation of spruce budworm, which are, essentially, caterpillars.

The New York Times

A new capital was built by Ghiyāth al-Dīn Tughluq (1320 25) at Tughlakabad, but it had to be abandoned in favour of the old site near the Qutb Minar because of a scarcity of water.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The requirement of fresh water is growing exponentially in industrial as well as domestic sector, resulting in more pollution of natural water resources and creating a scarcity of drinking water.

Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies

On a third peak, the 18,000-foot Condoriri, the glacier that supplies the largest reservoir in the Bolivian highlands is shriveling so fast that scientists fear a scarcity of drinking water in the decades to come.

The New York Times

Pakistan is expected to suffer a scarcity of irrigation water in the near future.

Financial Innovation

Population and urbanization can give rise to a scarcity of fresh water resources, especially those of high quality.

Handbook of Water and Energy Management in Food Processing

The results that are still to come from the remaining studies will be of vital importance for regions like the Canary Islands, which suffer from a scarcity of potable water, lack conventional energy sources, but do have at their disposal wind energy resources.

Desalination

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "a scarcity of water", consider providing context on the causes, such as climate change or overuse, to enhance the reader's understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "a scarcity of water" interchangeably with general drought conditions. Scarcity can be caused by various factors, not just drought, like pollution or mismanagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a scarcity of water" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies a condition of limited water availability. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Unknown

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a scarcity of water" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a condition of limited water availability. According to Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic writings. The phrase serves to highlight potential challenges and consequences related to limited water resources. While alternatives like "water shortage" and "water deficiency" exist, it's important to consider the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

water shortage

Shortened version, focusing on the 'shortage' aspect.

water deficiency

Emphasizes the 'lack' or 'insufficiency' of water.

lack of water resources

More specific, highlighting the 'resources' aspect.

limited water supply

Focuses on the 'supply' being restricted.

drought conditions

Describes the environmental conditions leading to scarcity.

water stress

Highlights the pressure on water resources.

arid climate

Describes a climate where water scarcity is the norm.

water paucity

A more formal synonym for scarcity.

inadequate water resources

Emphasizes the 'inadequacy' of available water.

depleted water reserves

Highlights the reduction in water reserves.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "a scarcity of water"?

You can use alternatives such as "water shortage", "water deficiency", or "limited water supply".

How does "a scarcity of water" impact communities?

A "a scarcity of water" can lead to various issues including agricultural challenges, health problems, and increased social tensions over resource access.

What are the main causes of "a scarcity of water"?

Causes include climate change, overuse of water resources, pollution, and poor water management practices.

How can we address "a scarcity of water"?

Solutions involve water conservation measures, improved irrigation techniques, water recycling, and sustainable water management policies.