dearth of time

USAGE SUMMARY

"dearth of time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a lack of time. For example, "I have a dearth of time this week to get all my work done."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Another area where it's not worth cutting corners is with pastry – you could buy it ready-made, but unless you have the warmest hands on earth or a serious dearth of time, it's a waste of money.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In the span of about six minutes he admitted to rust, unfamiliarity with his receivers, unfamiliarity with the playbook, unfamiliarity with Oakland in general, a lack of game-ready football preparation and, most important, a dearth of time to get up to speed — whether or not he's playing.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

As for why poor and minority voters frequently lack IDs such as drivers licenses, Posner's answer was simple: a dearth of money, time, or ready access to the agencies which issue them.

Huffington Post

A concerted effort must now be made to also study HEALTH, its attainment and retention… We have ample records of the sick, but there is a dearth of life-time records of the finest group of physical specimens in the world…" For 1968, Mexico City, the forms were simplified significantly, but this did not improve returns.

The Guardian

With prices and the volume of transactions closely correlated, the dearth of first-time buyers will curb the usual chain of events, where rising prices provide homeowners with the equity to trade up, which itself pushes up prices, according to the report.

The Guardian - Business

A home in the countryside costs a quarter more than a home in an urban area, on average, and rising rural prices have led to a dearth of first-time buyers in some areas, according to figures from the UK's largest mortgage lender.

The Guardian - Money

That, coupled with the Saints lack of discipline, sloppiness, dearth in time of possession (39 10-20 50), penalties (12 for 107 yards), and turnovers (3-0) ensured a loss for the boys in the black and gold.

Huffington Post

Mr Calley's caution over approving new films means that the studio could face a dearth of new products some time in 1998.Above all, there are no signs of the synergies between hardware and software that first attracted Sony to Hollywood.

The Economist

He's the undisputed heavyweight champion (for now), but his renown suffers from a dearth of endorsements and a lack of time spent in the United States.

The New York Times - Sports

Despite an awareness that the experiences of these carers change over time, there is a dearth of qualitative studies investigating carers' experiences over time.

International Journal of Nursing Studies

At one time, the dearth of diesels in the United States was a matter of consumer preference.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dearth of time", consider your audience. While grammatically correct, it's less common than "lack of time" and might sound overly formal or pretentious in casual settings. Choose the phrase that best suits the context and your desired tone.

Common error

Avoid using "dearth of time" in informal communication. While grammatically sound, it can sound stilted or unnatural in everyday conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "not enough time" or "lack of time" to maintain a more approachable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dearth of time" functions as a noun phrase, specifically as the object of a preposition or as a subject complement. It signifies a deficiency or scarcity, modifying an action or state by indicating a limited amount of time. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound.

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

In summary, "dearth of time" is a grammatically correct phrase that indicates a scarcity or lack of time. According to Ludwig, it is usable in written English. While semantically equivalent to simpler phrases like "lack of time", it carries a more formal tone, making it suitable for news articles, scientific writing, and professional communication. However, it should be used cautiously in casual settings where its formality might sound unnatural. Common alternatives include "lack of time", "shortage of time", and "limited time".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Lack of time

A direct and common synonym, emphasizing the absence of sufficient time.

Shortage of time

Similar to "lack of time", but suggests a limited supply rather than a complete absence.

Limited time

Focuses on the restricted quantity of time available.

Scarcity of time

Emphasizes the limited availability of time, similar to "dearth" but more common.

Time constraints

Highlights the restrictions and limitations placed on available time.

Time poverty

Evokes a sense of being deprived of adequate time, often due to external pressures.

Insufficient time

A more formal way of saying there is not enough time.

Paucity of time

Similar to "dearth", indicating a small or inadequate amount of time.

Absence of time

Stresses the complete lack of time for a specific task or activity.

Inadequate time

Indicates that the time available is not sufficient to meet the demands.

FAQs

What does "dearth of time" mean?

"Dearth of time" means a scarcity or lack of time. It indicates that there is not enough time available for a particular purpose or activity. Consider simpler alternatives such as "lack of time" or "shortage of time".

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

You can use "dearth of time" to explain the reason you are unable to do something, for example: "Due to a dearth of time, I won't be able to attend the meeting." or "The project was delayed because of a dearth of time and resources."

What are some alternatives to "dearth of time"?

Some alternatives to "dearth of time" include "lack of time", "shortage of time", "limited time", or "scarcity of time". The best choice depends on the context and the desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "lack of time" or "dearth of time"?

"Lack of time" is generally more common and widely understood. "Dearth of time" is more formal and less frequently used. While both are grammatically correct, "lack of time" is often preferred for its simplicity and clarity.