famine
UK: ˈfæmɪn | US: ˈfæmɪn
n. extreme scarcity of food in a region, leading to widespread hunger and starvation
n. a severe shortage or lack of something (e.g., resources, opportunities)
The word "famine" traces back to Latin fames (hunger), which evolved into Old French famine (extreme hunger). The suffix -ine was added to form a noun denoting the state of hunger. The term has retained its core meaning of severe food shortage while also metaphorically extending to other scarcities.
The prolonged drought caused a devastating famine in the region.
During the war, many civilians died of famine and disease.
The country faces a famine of skilled workers in the tech industry.
Historical records describe the Great Famine of 1315–1317 in Europe.
Aid organizations are working to prevent famine in conflict zones.