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dearth

noun

/dəːθ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of dearth

A shortage or lack of something, especially something that is needed or in demand.
"The small town had a dearth of job opportunities."

Detailed meaning of dearth

It can also describe a scarcity or deficiency of something. For example, a dearth of resources is a shortage or lack of resources that are needed or in demand. A dearth of skilled labor is a shortage or lack of skilled labor that is needed or in demand. The term is often used to describe a situation in which there is a shortage or lack of something that is needed or in demand, and that is therefore seen as being a problem or a challenge. It can also be used more generally to describe a scarcity or deficiency of something.

Example sentences containing dearth

1. A dearth of food in winter months made wildlife forage in new territories.
2. We faced a dearth of funds, slowing the construction of the new school wing.
3. With a dearth of evidence, the lawyer struggled to build a strong case.
4. The city's dearth of parks limits spaces for kids to play and explore.
5. A dearth of rain this year led to a severe and widespread drought.
6. The dearth of workers resulted in delayed service at the busy cafe.

History and etymology of dearth

The noun 'dearth' has its origins in Middle English, where it was spelled as 'derthe.' It can be traced back to the Old English word 'deore,' which means 'precious' or 'scarce.' In Middle English, 'dearth' initially referred to something that was costly or hard to come by, emphasizing its precious nature. Over time, the term evolved to describe a shortage or lack of something, especially something that is needed or in demand, transitioning from the idea of rarity and expense to scarcity and insufficiency. The etymology of 'dearth' highlights the historical association between preciousness and scarcity, underlining the notion that what is scarce or lacking is indeed valuable and sought after, even if it's not in abundance.

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Further usage examples of dearth

1. In a world with a dearth of kindness, every smile becomes precious.
2. She noticed a dearth of diversity in the company’s hiring practices.
3. A dearth of creativity can stifle innovation in fast-evolving industries.
4. During the festival, the town faced a dearth of accommodations.
5. Amid a dearth of resources, recycling and reusing become vital.
6. His dearth of experience made the first day on the job daunting.
7. There's a dearth of affordable housing, causing a rise in homelessness.
8. A dearth of fresh water sources makes life tough in arid regions.
9. Facing a dearth of options, she had to improvise to solve the problem.
10. There was a dearth of food in the famine-stricken region, and many people were struggling to survive.
11. The small town had a dearth of job opportunities, and many young people were forced to move away.
12. The company was facing a dearth of skilled workers, and it was having difficulty filling open positions.
13. The drought had caused a dearth of water, and the crops were dying.
14. There was a dearth of affordable housing in the city, and many people were struggling to find a place to live.
15. The art community was facing a dearth of funding, and many artists were struggling to make a living.
16. The region was experiencing a dearth of rainfall, and the farmers were worried about their crops.
17. There was a dearth of good restaurants in the small town, and people often had to travel to find a decent meal.
18. The school was facing a dearth of resources, and the teachers were struggling to provide a quality education.
19. There was a dearth of talented musicians in the town, and the local music scene was suffering as a result.
20. The region was experiencing a dearth of medical professionals, and many people were struggling to find healthcare.
21. There was a dearth of affordable childcare options in the city, and many parents were struggling to balance work and family.
22. The company was facing a dearth of qualified candidates, and it was having difficulty filling open positions.
23. The school was experiencing a dearth of support from the community, and the students were suffering as a result.
24. There was a dearth of recreational facilities in the small town, and people often had to travel to find something to do.