dearth
nounUK /dɜːθ/
US /dɝːθ/
A dearth means there is not enough of something.
There was a dearth of fresh water during the long drought.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A time when food is hard to find, causing hunger.
The village suffered a terrible dearth after the crops failed.
3. A small number or amount of something compared to what is needed.
Critics noted a dearth of new ideas in the sequel.
4. The state of being rare or uncommon.
The dearth of good teachers in the region worried parents.