dearth
UK: dɜːθ | US: dɜːrθ
n. a scarcity or lack of something
n. (archaic) famine or extreme hunger
The word "dearth" originates from Middle English derth, derived from Old English dīerth (costliness, scarcity), which combines dēore (dear, costly) + the suffix -th (used to form abstract nouns). Originally, it referred to the high cost or preciousness of goods due to scarcity, later narrowing to mean "scarcity" itself. The connection between "dear" (valuable) and "dearth" (lack) reflects the economic logic that rarity drives up value.
The region suffered a dearth of clean water after the drought.
There's a dearth of evidence to support his claims.
In medieval times, dearth often led to social unrest.
The project failed due to a dearth of funding.
A dearth of skilled workers has slowed the industry's growth.