dearth

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "dearth" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a lack of something, or an insufficient supply of something. For example, "Due to economic hardship, there was a dearth of jobs in the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The dearth of a new generation of jimadores is symptomatic of a widespread decline in agricultural work in Mexico, with figures showing that the farm workforce fell by two million between 1995 and 2010, while pay for agricultural jobs has remained relatively static.

The Guardian

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 9.41am GMT09:415thth over: England 96-6 (Buttler 22, Bresnan 7) The crowd are busy Mexican-waving as Muirhead ensured a dearth of action in the middle.

The Guardian - Sport

The dearth of basic facilities is only a minor problem within this school compared to shortages of classroom resources, under-qualified teachers, understaffing, and outdated teaching methods.

The Guardian

There's a dearth of quality branded content in 2014, however.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

That would leave a dearth of big beasts on the "out" side – with Farage as the most visible face.

The Guardian - Opinion

Like many actresses, she bemoans the dearth of roles for older women.

The Guardian

Generation also faces a number of uncertainties under the Government's Electricity Market Reform, coupled with a dearth of obvious buyers, especially as European players appear to currently be retrenching in Europe rather than expanding, and with lower wholesale commodity prices having a number of impacts, with the negatives probably outweighing the positives.

The Guardian - Business

Why is there this dearth of information?

The Guardian

In the midst of the information-technology revolution, a dearth of innovation does not seem a plausible source of stagnation.

The Economist

The dearth of finance has spawned some ingenious solutions.

The Economist

The dearth of such figures suggests that, for all the progress that has been made in respecting the rights of gay people in the rich world, there is still a worry that in some careers being openly gay will not work.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dearth", ensure you clearly specify what is lacking to provide context and impact. For example, "a dearth of skilled workers".

Common error

Avoid using "dearth" in very informal contexts. While correct, its somewhat formal tone might sound out of place in casual conversation or writing. Opt for more common words like "lack" or "shortage" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "dearth" is as a noun, often used to describe a condition or period of scarcity. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, reflecting its role in denoting insufficiency.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dearth" functions as a noun to denote a scarcity or lack, frequently appearing in news and formal business contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the word is grammatically correct and usable in written English, although it is more appropriate for formal writing than casual conversation. When employing "dearth", ensure the context clearly indicates what is lacking. Alternatives such as "scarcity", "lack", and "shortage" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember that a "dearth" often suggests a more profound and prolonged scarcity than a simple "shortage".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scarcity

Refers to a state of being scarce or in short supply. It's directly synonymous but emphasizes the limited availability.

lack

Indicates the absence or insufficiency of something needed or desired, more general than "dearth".

shortage

Implies a temporary or specific lack of something, often in relation to demand.

paucity

Describes a small or insufficient quantity of something, more formal than "dearth".

insufficiency

Indicates that something is not adequate or sufficient, focusing on the inadequacy.

deficiency

Highlights a lack or shortage that impairs quality or function, often used in technical contexts.

inadequacy

Emphasizes the state of not being good enough or sufficient for a specific purpose.

absence

Refers to the state of being away or not existing, indicating a complete lack.

want

Expresses a need or lack of something, often implying a basic necessity.

famine

Refers to an extreme scarcity of food, implying widespread hunger and starvation.

FAQs

How do you use "dearth" in a sentence?

You can use "dearth" to describe a scarcity or lack of something. For example, "There is a "dearth" of qualified candidates for the job." or "The city is experiencing a "dearth" of affordable housing."

What words can I use instead of "dearth"?

Alternatives to "dearth" include "scarcity", "lack", "shortage", or "paucity". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a dearth of" something?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "a dearth of" something. This construction is commonly used to indicate a lack or scarcity of that particular thing. For instance, "a "dearth of evidence"".

What is the difference between "dearth" and "shortage"?

"Dearth" generally implies a more profound or prolonged scarcity than "shortage". A "shortage" might be temporary, while a "dearth" suggests a more significant and persistent lack.