Word of the Day Dearth - Meaning, Usage & IELTS Examples

In the IELTS Writing and the Speaking test, showcasing your vocabulary knowledge with precise words like “dearth” can really make a strong impression in front of the examiner.

The word Dearth means a lack or shortage of something where it is especially used when talking about missing resources or services in a place. Whether you are trying to describe a problem in your hometown, a personal challenge, or even broader social issues, this word makes you express ideas clearly and precisely.

So why wait? Let us begin diving deeper into the information and usage of this word - Dearth in your IELTS exam!

Meaning of the Word “Dearth”

[noun]: Something not being enough or lacking.

History of the Word "Dearth"

Used to describe the scarcity of things since the 13th century, the word is derived from a Middle English form ‘derthe’, meaning the same as in Modern English. 

Also, the Middle English form supposedly originated from the Old English form that probably spelled as ‘dierth’ and was relevant to ‘deore’, which is an Old English form that coined the word dear. Once upon a time, even dear meant scarce; however, it has become obsolete now.

Synonyms of “Dearth”

• Shortage 
• Scarcity 
• Lacking 
• Insufficient 

Antonyms of “Dearth”

• Abundance 
• Overflow 
• Sufficient
• Plenty 

Using the Word “Dearth” in Sentences

1. Despite the famine-like situation, there is no dearth of food supplies for people, even in the most hit areas.
2. In certain countries, there is a dearth of stringent laws and regulations.
3. Youngsters deal with a dearth of financial knowledge.
4. The review shows how our country has a dearth of adequate medical facilities.
5. There is no dearth of talent among millennials.
6. In the rural areas, there is a massive dearth of adequate education, sanitary situations, robust infrastructure and proper medical facilities.
7. In the skin-care world, there is no dearth of organic and Ayurvedic products made out of 100% unadulterated ingredients and formulas.
8. In a few more years, the world will face an acute dearth of clean water and spare land.
9. A dearth of non-compromised research while developing a vaccine may leave fatal results on the humankind.
10. If even a fraction of research by experts is true, there will be no dearth of breathing-related issues caused by uncontrolled pollution among both humans and animals.

Using the Word “Eclectic” in IELTS Speaking

In the IELTS Speaking, especially in the Part 3, the word “dearth” can be used while you are discussing broader social or global issues. For example, if you are asked to talk about the challenges in your home country, you can say, “There is a dearth of public transportation in many rural areas of my country and that makes daily commuting difficult for residents.” Using such words will definitely show the examiner that you can express a variety of ideas clearly and naturally and that will boost your lexical resource criteria’s score.

• In IELTS Speaking Part 1 (Introduction): When answering questions about personal life or routines, you can use the “dearth” to highlight what is missing or limited.
• In IELTS Speaking Part 2 (Cue Card): When describing a challenge, or place where something was lacking, this word can be used perfectly.
• In IELTS Speaking Part 3 (Follow-Up): To answer topics related to the lacking of broader issues like education, locality, or healthcare.

When you incorporate the word “Dearth” into your vocabulary, you will be able to illustrate the importance and prominence of features or aspects in various contexts. So, by utilizing “Dearth” appropriately, improve your communication skills and make your expressions more vivid and impactful, potentially increasing your IELTS score.

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