dearth of material

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dearth of material" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant lack or scarcity of resources, information, or content on a particular subject. Example: "The research paper was challenging to write due to the dearth of material available on the topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Either way, where some might see a dearth of material wealth and technology, Mr. Whitley sees evidence of cognitive sophistication.

The New York Times - Travel

"When we first started as a band, I'd bring stuff in, but there's no dearth of material there," he smiles.

Independent

Given the movie's dearth of material about the girls, it fills out its running time with portraits of other circus performers.

The New York Times

Most of them, from Jay Leno to Jon Stewart, aired their shows without writers, leaving them often exposed by the dearth of material.

The Guardian

Barabtarlo claims that "a good Freudian" of his acquaintance found a "dearth of material suitable for standard psycho-interpretation" in these dreams.

The New Yorker

As an actor who knows both Audra McDonald and Kristin Chenoweth, I assure you that their explorations of other means of expression are not due to a dearth of material, but to the need to grow and diversify.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

At another nearby camp, Chamchamal, plans to build nearly 500 houses in time for the harsh winter of mountainous northern Iraq have been held up by a dearth of materials.

The New York Times

The main reasons for that, experts say, are a dearth of materials about the disease in Asian languages, an unfamiliarity on the part of public health agencies with Asian cultures, and cultural beliefs that may hinder an understanding of H.I.V. Kevin Huang, 31, of Brooklyn, ran into that problem with his father.

The New York Times

There is a relative dearth of new material for us to acquire.

The Guardian

The discussion of the waiter-carriers ends too soon, unfortunately, because of a dearth of source material on the topic.

The New York Times - Books

While there's no lack of funny women, there is a dearth of funny material about women.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dearth of material" when you want to emphasize a significant lack of resources, information, or content. It adds a formal tone to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "dearth of material" in informal contexts. Opt for simpler phrases like "lack of stuff" or "not enough information" for casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dearth of material" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state of deficiency or scarcity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dearth of material" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that signifies a lack or scarcity of resources, information, or content. Ludwig AI validates its usability in written English. It's most frequently found in news and academic contexts, maintaining a neutral to formal tone. While various alternatives exist, such as "scarcity of resources" or "lack of information", "dearth of material" provides a specific and often formal way to highlight a deficiency in available resources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scarcity of resources

Focuses on the limited availability of general resources, broader than just "material".

lack of information

Specifically highlights the absence of data or knowledge, rather than physical items.

paucity of evidence

Emphasizes a shortage of proof or supporting data, often used in academic or legal settings.

shortage of supplies

Indicates an insufficient quantity of provisions or equipment, focusing on tangible items.

limited availability

Describes a restricted presence or access to something, more general in scope.

insufficiency of data

Highlights the inadequacy of collected data for analysis or decision-making.

deficiency of content

Focuses on the lack of substantial or meaningful content on a specific subject.

absence of resources

Indicates a complete non-existence of support or means, a stronger term than "dearth".

inadequate provision

Highlights an insufficient supply of something needed.

meager amount

Emphasizes the small quantity or extent of something available.

FAQs

What does "dearth of material" mean?

The phrase "dearth of material" signifies a scarcity or lack of available resources, information, or content. It implies that there is an insufficient amount of something needed or desired.

How can I use "dearth of material" in a sentence?

You can use "dearth of material" to describe situations where something is lacking. For example: "The project was delayed due to a "dearth of material".

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

You can use alternatives like "scarcity of resources", "lack of information", or "paucity of evidence" depending on the specific context.

Is "dearth of material" formal or informal?

"Dearth of material" is generally considered a formal phrase. In informal settings, simpler alternatives like "lack of stuff" or "not enough information" may be more appropriate.