dearth
What does "dearth" mean?
The word "dearth" refers to a severe scarcity or lack of something essential. Visualize a barren, cracked landscape where there is a "dearth" of water; it implies that what is missing is not just low in quantity, but significantly absent to the point of causing difficulty. It is a formal, somewhat literary term often used in academic or professional settings to describe shortages of resources, talent, or evidence. You would rarely use it in casual conversation; instead, you might say "a lack of" or "not enough." It is frequently paired with the preposition "of," as in "a dearth of evidence."
"dearth" in conversation
Academic feedback
Your essay is well-written, but there is a dearth of primary sources.
Your essay is well-written, but there is a dearth of primary sources.
I see, I will look for more archival documents.
I see, I will look for more archival documents.
Used here to point out a lack of specific evidence.
Business meeting
We have a dearth of qualified candidates for this project.
We have a dearth of qualified candidates for this project.
I agree, the skill set required is quite niche.
I agree, the skill set required is quite niche.
Highlights a shortage of talent in a professional context.
"dearth" in a sentence
There is a dearth of information on this topic.
There is a dearth of information on this topic.
The region suffered from a dearth of rainfall throughout the summer months.
The region suffered from a dearth of rainfall throughout the summer months.
Despite the company's expansion, there remains a persistent dearth of innovative ideas from the leadership team.
Despite the company's expansion, there remains a persistent dearth of innovative ideas from the leadership team.
