dearth
Translation
lack, scarcity
Examples
There is a dearth of evidence.
There is a lack of evidence.
The region suffers from a dearth of water.
The region suffers from a water shortage.
Grammar Patterns
a dearth of ((sth.)) a lack of (sth.) There is a dearth of skilled workers.
Similar Words
Synonyms: lack, scarcity, shortage; Antonyms: abundance, surplus
Etymology
From Old English 'dīerthu' (costliness, famine), related to 'dēore' (dear, precious).
Memory Tips
Sounds like 'dear earth'. Imagine our 'dear earth' having a lack of resources.