dearth of documentation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dearth of documentation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a lack or scarcity of documentation or written material on a particular subject. Example: "The project faced significant challenges due to a dearth of documentation regarding the previous work done."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

And a dearth of documentation — like the paper trails built by the catalogs or biographies common for male artists — led to a number of what Mr. Calikoglu termed "dead ends" for the team of curators mounting this anthology of works by 74 women.

The New York Times

There is currently a dearth of documentation on the use of animal-based therapies (ABT) in Mauritius.

Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Sandweiss is a gifted historian, but there is a dearth of reliable documentation about Copeland, and, sadly, because King destroyed all of Copeland's letters (urging her to do the same with his), his voice weighs heavier in the retelling.

The New Yorker

There is in fact a dearth of tradition for documentation of clinical HP activities in the medical records and international and national classifications as well as other patient administrative systems include only few and often non systematic registration codes to cover these activities.

BMC Health Services Research

customs control of documentation.

European Transport Research Review

Use of documentation.

BMC Health Services Research

Consider your method of documentation.

WikiHow

However, the supporting documentation behind these determinations reveals a dearth of hard data.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Why is there this dearth of information?

The Guardian

The dearth of restaurants was no problem.

The New York Times

A dearth of jobs.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "dearth of documentation", ensure that the context clearly indicates what specific area or subject lacks sufficient records. Being specific enhances clarity.

Common error

The word "dearth" is relatively formal. In less formal contexts, consider using "lack of documentation" or "shortage of documentation" as alternatives. Using more formal wording in an informal situation can confuse or distract your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dearth of documentation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the absence or scarcity of written records. Ludwig examples show this phrase used to highlight challenges arising from missing information.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dearth of documentation" signifies a scarcity or lack of sufficient written records, primarily used in formal and scientific contexts, according to Ludwig. While grammatically sound, it is relatively uncommon. Alternative phrases like "lack of documentation" or "scarcity of documentation" may be suitable for less formal settings. Remember to be specific about what area lacks documentation to ensure clarity. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of documentation

Replaces "dearth" with "lack", a more common synonym, simplifying the phrase.

scarcity of documentation

Substitutes "dearth" with "scarcity", another synonym, focusing on the limited availability.

paucity of documentation

Uses "paucity" instead of "dearth", a less common but equally valid synonym.

shortage of documentation

Replaces "dearth" with "shortage", emphasizing the insufficiency of documentation.

limited documentation

Simplifies the phrase to highlight the restricted amount of documentation available.

insufficient documentation

Focuses on the inadequacy of the documentation for a given purpose.

deficiency in documentation

Highlights the lack or inadequacy in the documentation process or availability.

absence of documentation

Indicates a complete lack of documentation, a stronger statement than "dearth".

inadequate records

Replaces "documentation" with "records", broadening the scope to include various forms of written evidence, and uses "inadequate" to describe its quality.

poorly documented

Shifts the focus to the quality of the existing documentation, implying it is substandard or incomplete.

FAQs

How to use "dearth of documentation" in a sentence?

You can use "dearth of documentation" to describe a situation where there is a lack or scarcity of written records or supporting materials. For example: "The project faced significant challenges due to a "dearth of documentation" regarding the previous work done."

What can I say instead of "dearth of documentation"?

You can use alternatives like "lack of documentation", "scarcity of documentation", or "insufficient documentation" depending on the context.

Is "dearth of documentation" formal or informal?

The phrase "dearth of documentation" is considered relatively formal. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "lack of documentation" might be more appropriate.

What does "dearth" mean in "dearth of documentation"?

In the phrase "dearth of documentation", "dearth" means a scarcity or lack of something. It indicates that there is not enough documentation available.