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paucity

noun

/ˈpɔːsɪti/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of paucity

A scarcity or shortage of something, or a lack of abundance or resources.
"The paucity of evidence made it difficult to build a strong case."

Detailed meaning of paucity

It can be used to describe a situation in which there is not enough of something, whether it is a physical resource such as food or water, or an abstract resource such as information or support. A paucity of something means that it is scarce or limited in quantity, and the lack of it makes it hard for people or systems to function well. It is often used to describe a small quantity of something and implies that there is an inadequacy or insufficiency of the item or resource in question.

Example sentences containing paucity

1. Due to a paucity of rain, the region faces a severe drought.
2. Her job search is hindered by a paucity of job openings.
3. Solving the case is challenging because of a paucity of evidence.
4. The garden struggles because of the paucity of sunlight.
5. The team faces difficulties due to a paucity of available players.
6. The charity's work is affected by a paucity of donations.

History and etymology of paucity

The noun 'paucity' has its etymological origins in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'paucus,' which means 'few' or 'little.' The suffix '-ity' in English is used to form abstract nouns indicating a state or quality. Therefore, when we examine the etymology of 'paucity,' it essentially conveys the state or quality of being few or little. The term emphasizes the idea of scarcity or shortage, as well as a lack of abundance or resources. When we refer to a 'paucity' of something, we are highlighting its limited or insufficient quantity. This etymological origin aligns perfectly with the modern usage of 'paucity' to describe a deficiency or insufficiency in terms of numbers, resources, or abundance.

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Further usage examples of paucity

1. In arid regions, water is often in paucity.
2. Expansion plans are limited by a paucity of funds.
3. Readers are disappointed by the library's paucity of books.
4. They have few choices because of a paucity of options.
5. The restaurant's menu is impacted by a paucity of fresh ingredients.
6. The organization is strained by a paucity of volunteers.
7. Concerns arise due to a paucity of reliable information.
8. Prioritizing tasks is necessary because of a paucity of time.
9. The clinic faces challenges due to a paucity of medical supplies.
10. Tourists are disappointed by a paucity of wildlife sightings.
11. Positions remain unfilled due to a paucity of job applicants.
12. Decision-making is difficult because of a paucity of customer reviews.
13. Concerts are sold out due to a paucity of available seats.
14. Many questions remain unanswered because of a paucity of answers.
15. The paucity of resources available to the project hindered its progress.
16. She was disappointed by the paucity of job opportunities in her field.
17. The paucity of options for housing in the area made it difficult for them to find a place to live.
18. The paucity of rainfall in the region led to a severe drought.
19. He was frustrated by the paucity of information available on the topic.
20. The paucity of qualified candidates made it difficult to fill the open position.
21. Making the right decision was difficult due to a paucity of information.
22. The paucity of support for the program led to its eventual cancellation.
23. The paucity of funding for the school left it struggling to maintain its programs.
24. The paucity of time available to complete the task put pressure on the team.
25. The paucity of customers at the store led to it closing its doors.
26. The paucity of knowledge about the topic made it difficult to reach a conclusion.