10 September 2017

dearth

[durth]

noun

1. an inadequate supply; scarcity; lack:
There is a dearth of good engineers.
2. scarcity and dearness of food; famine.

Origin of dearth

Middle English

1200-1250 First recorded in 1200-50, dearth is from the Middle English word derthe. See dear1, -th1

Can be confused

dearth, plethora.
dearth, death.

Synonyms

1. shortage, want, paucity, insufficiency.

Antonyms

1. abundance, plenty, sufficiency; surplus.

Dictionary.com

Examples from the Web for dearth

Contemporary Examples

The Pentagon security reviewers must have been suffering a dearth of caffeine or sleep.
‘They Don’t Call It SEAL Team 6-Year-Old for Nothing’: Commandos Clash Over Tell-All Book
Kimberly Dozier
November 2, 2014

The FDA is hoping to remedy the dearth of knowledge with a plea aimed at influential drugmakers.
Why Male Breast Cancer Is Back in the Limelight
Kevin Zawacki
July 15, 2014

And the dearth of top Democratic visitors could have a real impact on down-ballot Democrats.
Iowa Has a Phantom Democratic Presidential Candidates Problem
Ben Jacobs
July 7, 2014

Anagram

hatred
thread

Today’s quote

Just because a man lacks the use of his eyes doesn’t mean he lacks vision.

– Stevie Wonder

On this day

10 September – World Suicide Prevention Day.

10 September 1945 – birth of José Feliciano, blind Puerto Rican singer/musician.