Dearth: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes

Meaning 1：serious lack (dearth)

dearth 🔊

/dɜːrθ/

A situation where there is not enough of something; a serious lack.

serious lack 🔊

➕

/ˈsɪəriəs læk/

This phrase describes a state of severe insufficiency or scarcity of something.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Middle English 'derthe', meaning 'scarcity', derived from Old English 'dēore', meaning 'precious, costly'.

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine your DEAR THing is missing — a DEARTH means a serious lack of something dear or important to you.

📖 Example

The poor harvest this year led to a dearth of fresh vegetables in the local market. 🔊 The inadequate crop yield resulted in a severe shortage of fresh vegetables in the market.

🔗 Collocations

dearth of – a severe shortage or scarcity of something

in dearth – in a state of shortage or lack

dearth year – a year marked by famine or severe scarcity

🔄 Synonyms

scarcity (n.) – The state of being in short supply.

shortage (n.) – A situation where there is not enough of something needed.

paucity (n.) – The presence of something in only small or insufficient quantities.

🚫 Antonyms

abundance (n.) – A very large quantity of something.

plenty (n.) – A large or sufficient amount or quantity.

surfeit (n.) – An excessive amount of something.

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'dearth' originates from Old English 'dēore' (dear, costly). Its original sense related to high cost and scarcity, as precious things were rare. Over time, its meaning narrowed specifically to a shortage or lack, reflecting how scarcity inflates value and defines lack.