Paucity
/ˈpɔːsɪti/
nounC1
Definition
Paucity means there is very little of something, not enough to meet needs or expectations. It often describes a small number or amount of something important, like resources, information, or ideas.
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⚡ See It in Action
Very small amount or number of something
- •There is a paucity of clean drinking water in the region.
- •The report showed a paucity of evidence to support the claim.
- •We faced a paucity of volunteers for the event.
Shortage or lack, especially when more is needed
- •The paucity of affordable housing is a serious problem in many cities.
- •Due to the paucity of funds, the project was delayed.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "paucity" like "few," but stronger—meaning almost not enough or very small amount
- ✓Picture a nearly empty glass with only a few drops of water left
- ✓It's the feeling when you want to find answers but there are hardly any available
- ✓Sounds like "PAW-si-tee" → imagine a tiny paw (paw) trying to hold something very small
- ✓Imagine a desert with a paucity of water—very dry and little to drink
- ✓NOT like "plenty" (a lot), "paucity" means the opposite: very little or scarce
- ✓NOT like "lack" (general absence), "paucity" suggests there is some, but too little to be enough
- ✓NOT like "scarcity" (similar), but "paucity" often refers more to countable things like ideas or facts, while "scarcity" is often about resources
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Scarcity: shortage or small amount (Use when talking about limited natural resources or money)
- •Lack: absence or not having enough (Use when something is missing or needed)
- •Shortage: not enough supply (Use when talking about goods or services not meeting demand)
- •Deficiency: lack or shortage, often in health or quality (Use in more formal or technical contexts)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: From Latin "paucus" meaning "few" + suffix "-ity" meaning "state or condition"
- •Etymology: Originates from Latin, where "paucity" means the state of being few or little
- •Historical development: Entered English in the 15th century, used to describe small numbers or amounts
- •Modern usage: Commonly used in formal writing to describe shortages or insufficient amounts in many contexts
- •Key insight: Focuses on the idea of "too few" or "too little" in a serious or important way
💭 Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of situations in your life where a paucity of something caused difficulty or delay?
•How does knowing the word "paucity" help you understand problems related to shortages better?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.The project failed because there was a paucity of ___ to complete the work on time.
2.When there is a paucity of information, it is hard to make ___ decisions.
3.Unlike abundance, paucity means there is ___ supply or number of something.
4.The speaker explained that a paucity of volunteers forced them to ___ the event.
5.Paucity often appears in reports about resources that are ___ or hard to find.
6.The author complained about the paucity of ___ on the topic in the library.
7.Because of the paucity of funds, the company had to ___ its plans for expansion.