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
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.