dearth

noun

ˈdərth How to pronounce dearth (audio)
Definition of dearthnext
1
as in shortage
a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number there was a dearth of usable firewood at the campsite

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in lack
the fact or state of being absent the dearth of salesclerks at the shoe store annoyed us

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of dearth On Thursday, Brian Hickerson’s attorney released a statement on the actor’s dearth and the investigation into what happened before emergency responders arrived at the scene. — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026 However, this year, as with many recent years, Powell has suffered from a dearth of snow — last winter was one of the driest and warmest on record for the western US. — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026 New media offers an alternative place for discovery A dearth of late-night spots particularly affects independent acts — the kind that could really benefit from the exposure, just like Future Islands. — Maria Sherman, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026 Without Gilbert, the Hurricanes have a dearth of tight ends who have playing experience. — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dearth
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dearth
  1. shortage
  2. lack
  3. absence
Noun
  • Due to brass shortages, some knives had to be made with wooden handles, out of compressed leather washers, or bakelite plastic.
    — David Szondy August 30, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Some allege that the government has engineered fuel shortages to make an agreement unavoidable, others go further, accusing moderates of staging a coup.
    — Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of shortage
Noun
  • Because of a lack of variety in Halal restaurants, neither of the men had tried barbecue besides brisket before their trip.
    — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Fast growth and lack of warnings compound disaster Steiner said about 10% of Nepal’s power production was located in the valley affected by the latest disaster.
    — Sibi Arasu, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of lack
Noun
  • Will Smith will be returning this week after a prolonged absence, and that will help, but not enough.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Furthermore, passive systems increase network survivability due to the absence of a distinctive identification.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of absence

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Cite this Entry

“Dearth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dearth. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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