water scarcity

USAGE SUMMARY

"water scarcity" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a lack of available water resources or a shortage of water supply. For example, "Water scarcity is a growing problem in many parts of the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Take water scarcity.

Harvard Business Review

They are bumping up against water scarcity.

The New York Times

Water scarcity is not our only challenge.

The Guardian

Suddenly, threats of water scarcity become relevant.

The Guardian

I'm worried about the growing water scarcity.

Yale University

Latin Americans are not necessarily affected by water scarcity, but clean water scarcity.

The Guardian

Water scarcity is a global concern.

Desalination

But this is not because of natural water scarcity.

The Guardian

In regions of water scarcity, all this is evidently unsustainable.

The Guardian

Water scarcity is rapidly increasing in many regions.

Nature

UN Factsheet on Water Scarcity (UN DESA, 2013).

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "water scarcity" when discussing long-term or chronic shortages; for short-term or temporary situations, consider using "water shortage".

Common error

While drought can exacerbate "water scarcity", they are not the same. "Water scarcity" refers to a long-term imbalance between water demand and supply, while drought is a temporary period of low precipitation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "water scarcity" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as the subject or object in sentences to denote a state of insufficient water resources. Ludwig confirms this, showing its regular use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

32%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "water scarcity" is a well-established and frequently used noun phrase that accurately describes a lack of sufficient water resources. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and widespread usage across diverse fields, including news, science, and academia. When using this phrase, remember to be specific about the context and avoid confusing it with related terms like drought. The related phrases such as "water stress" and "water shortage" offer alternative ways to express similar concepts, each with slightly nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Water stress

Focuses on the demand exceeding the available water supply, indicating strain.

Water shortage

Implies a temporary or specific lack of water resources.

Water deficit

Emphasizes the gap between water demand and supply.

Drought conditions

Highlights prolonged periods of dryness that lead to water shortages.

Lack of potable water

Specifically refers to the absence of safe drinking water.

Limited water resources

Broadly describes the insufficient availability of water.

Aridity

Refers to a climate characterized by a lack of moisture.

Desiccation

Indicates extreme dryness or the process of drying out.

Water inadequacy

Describes the state of not having enough water to meet needs.

Low water availability

Emphasizes the reduced quantity of water that is accessible.

FAQs

How is "water scarcity" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "water scarcity" is commonly used to describe situations where there isn't enough water to meet the needs of people and the environment. For example, "Addressing "water scarcity" requires a multifaceted approach".

What are some alternative phrases for "water scarcity"?

You can use alternatives like "water stress", "water shortage", or "water deficit" depending on the specific context.

Is "water scarcity" only a problem in developing countries?

No, "water scarcity" affects both developing and developed countries. While the causes and consequences may differ, it's a global issue. California, for example, frequently deals with chronic "water scarcity".

What factors contribute to "water scarcity"?

Factors contributing to "water scarcity" include climate change, population growth, overuse of water resources, and pollution. Human interventions also aggravate "water scarcity".