paucity

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'paucity' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which there is a small amount or something is scarce. For example, "There was a paucity of food in the village."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ron Austin Hadleigh, Suffolk David Cameron's closing comments perfectly illustrate the paucity of vision of today's pygmy politicians.

The Guardian

The artistic paucity of the project was reflected in the fact that I was cast as a low-life Irishman called Jonathan Flanagan.

The Guardian

Sanjeev Bhaskar says the Shimla scenes for the Channel 4 series Indian Summers were shot in Malaysia because of the "paucity of buildings and infrastructure" in Shimla (My father's Indian Summers, G2, 25 February).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Given the paucity of political explanations for Isis's racing success, and knowing only what Isis rule means for the majority of inhabitants of the incipient "Islamic state", American or British bombs seem to offer a tempting short cut.

The Guardian - Opinion

The weirdest part was filming it in Malaysia, owing to the paucity of appropriate buildings and infrastructure in Shimla itself.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Of course Billy Elliot has been so well received partially due to the paucity of the competition.

The Guardian - Film

Now, thanks to the paucity of strong new releases, box office has tumbled, down 34% on the equivalent frame from 2014, when a previews-boosted Bad Neighbours secured the top spot with a whopping £8.45m.

The Guardian - Film

When Bébé, considered one of Manchester's United worst ever signings, is the best Portuguese goalscorer in the national league following his loan to modest Paços de Ferreira, it becomes easier to gauge the paucity of attacking talent in a country that has nurtured some brilliant strikers.

The Guardian - Sport

That dilutes returns.For a while after the crisis it looked like a paucity of debt financing might force rivals to follow the same operational path.

The Economist

A paucity of top-class accommodation in the city is keeping prices high for now, but she expects Abu Dhabi to mimic Dubai in due course, with the new entrants pouring into the hotel market causing rates to drop substantially.

The Economist

More depressing still is the paucity of coherent thinking about what America's goals are, what its strategy is, and how military action fits into that picture.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "paucity" when you want to emphasize a lack or scarcity, particularly in a formal or academic context. It adds a sophisticated tone to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "paucity" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler words like "lack" or "shortage" are often more appropriate and natural in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The word "paucity" functions as a noun, typically used to denote a lack or scarcity of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in formal contexts, as seen in many examples from news and academic sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "paucity" is a noun that signifies a lack or scarcity of something. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage, particularly in formal contexts such as news, business, and scientific writing. Its primary function is to emphasize the insufficient quantity or availability of something, adding a sophisticated tone to your writing. While grammatically sound, it's best reserved for formal settings, as simpler terms might be more appropriate in casual conversation. The examples from The Economist and The Guardian illustrate its correct usage, solidifying its status as a valuable term for precise and formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scarcity

Denotes a general lack or insufficient amount of something; often interchangeable with "paucity" but may imply a more widespread or severe shortage.

dearth

Indicates a severe lack or shortage, often implying a deficiency that is keenly felt.

shortage

Refers to a temporary or specific lack of something, often due to a disruption in supply.

lack

A general term for the absence or deficiency of something.

insufficiency

Indicates that there is not enough of something to meet a need or requirement.

deficiency

Highlights a specific lack or inadequacy, often in the context of essential resources or qualities.

inadequacy

Suggests that something is not sufficient or suitable for a particular purpose.

rarity

Emphasizes the infrequency or limited availability of something, making it uncommon or precious.

smallness

Focuses on the limited quantity or size of something, implying that it is less than desirable or sufficient.

meagerness

Highlights the scantiness or poor quality of something, suggesting that it is barely adequate.

FAQs

How can I use "paucity" in a sentence?

You can use "paucity" to describe a lack or scarcity of something, such as "The project failed due to a "paucity" of resources" or "There is a "paucity" of evidence to support that claim".

What words can I use instead of "paucity"?

Alternatives to "paucity" include "scarcity", "dearth", "shortage", or "lack". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of scarcity you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "paucity" in both formal and informal writing?

While grammatically correct in both contexts, "paucity" is more suited to formal or academic writing. In informal settings, simpler terms like "lack" or "shortage" may be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "paucity" and "scarcity"?

"Paucity" and "scarcity" are largely interchangeable, both denoting a lack or insufficient amount. "Scarcity" might imply a more widespread or general shortage, while "paucity" can emphasize the inadequacy of what is available.