Vocabulary in context
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Dearth
Scarcity; a lack of something that is needed or desired.
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Imagine This
Scientists have found a new planet that is very similar to Earth, except it lacks oxygen. Without oxygen, nothing can live. They call it D-Earth, meaning Dead Earth.
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Sounds Like
sounds like 'earth' with a leading d (pronounced /dɜːrθ/)
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Looks Like
D-Earth (Dead Earth)
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Remember This
Usage tip: Use 'a dearth of' to describe a shortage of something specific (e.g., a dearth of evidence). The word contrasts with abundance.
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Other Forms
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Connect With
scarcity, paucity, shortage, insufficiency, want
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Note
Be careful not to confuse with 'death'. Dearth refers to scarcity, not mortality.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- There is a dearth of fresh water in the region after the drought.
- The project encountered a dearth of skilled workers, slowing development.
Synonyms
scarcitypaucityshortageinsufficiencywant
Antonyms
abundanceplentysurplus
Etymology
From Old English dearth, meaning scarcity; the exact Proto-Germanic roots are uncertain.
Mnemonic
Mnemonic: D-EARTH = Dead Earth; picture a planet that is literally devoid of life to remember scarcity.
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Exalt
verbTo praise highly; to elevate in status or honor.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Discriminate
verbTo recognize or identify differences between things; to distinguish. In a negative sense, to treat someone unfavorably because of prejudice or bias.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Paucity
nounA smallness in number or amount; scarcity.
Abasement
nounThe act or instance of humiliating or degrading someone; the state of being lowered in dignity or status.
Absurdity
nounThe quality or state of being wildly unreasonable, illogical, or ridiculous; something that is completely contrary to reason or common sense.
Accent
nounA distinctive way of pronouncing words; the act of emphasizing a syllable or word (as a verb, to accent means to emphasize).
Accolade
nounAn honor; a public expression of praise or an award.
Acrimony
nounBitterness of speech or manner; ill feeling
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