ISEE/SSAT Vocabulary Builder›Words›D›dearth
ISEE/SSAThard
dearth
a scarcity or lack of something
Synonyms
- scarcity
- shortage
- paucity
Antonyms
- abundance
- surplus
dearth in a sentence
There was a dearth of fresh vegetables in the store after the storm.
A dearth of rain left the farmers worried about their crops.
Where it comes from
From Middle English derthe, related to 'dear' meaning costly
Memory hook
DEARTH sounds like 'dirt' — when supplies run out, all that's left is dirt.
Read it in context
- Where the River Moved History