The noun paucity refers to the presence of something in only small or insufficient amounts. It is often used to describe a lack of resources, evidence, opportunities, or ideas.
Definition
Paucity (noun):
A small or insufficient quantity or amount of something.
- “There was a paucity of fresh water after the storm.”
- “The project failed due to a paucity of reliable data.”
Synonyms
- Scarcity
- Shortage
- Dearth
- Deficiency
- Insufficiency
Antonyms
- Abundance
- Plenitude
- Surplus
- Profusion
Examples in Sentences
- “The speech was criticized for its paucity of original ideas.”
- “The region suffers from a paucity of medical professionals.”
- “There is a troubling paucity of affordable housing in the city.”
Usage Note
Paucity is typically used in formal or academic writing and often emphasizes how the lack of something hinders progress, understanding, or functionality.
Etymology
From Latin paucitas, meaning “fewness” or “scarcity,” derived from paucus (“few”).