noun
paucity
PAW-si-tee
Paucity (noun) means a shortage of something, or a supply that is far smaller than is needed. Example: “There is a striking paucity of evidence for the drug's long-term benefit.”
noun
1
A shortage of something, or a supply that is far smaller than is needed.
"There is a striking paucity of evidence for the drug's long-term benefit."
"A paucity of affordable housing has pushed young families out of the city."
How to use paucity
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNot nearly enough of something.
When to use it
Formal and literary; common in academic writing, especially the phrase 'a paucity of data'.
Memory tip
Almost always used as 'a paucity of' followed by an uncountable or plural noun. You would not say 'the paucity was large'.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a paucity of evidence
a paucity of data
a paucity of research
relative paucity
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There is a striking _____ of evidence for the drug's long-term benefit.
Etymology
From Latin paucitas, from paucus meaning 'few', via Old French paucite.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for paucity
See all rhymes for paucity →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between paucity and dearth?
They are near-synonyms and often interchangeable. Dearth suggests an outright absence or famine-like lack, while paucity suggests a small quantity that exists but falls short. Paucity is also slightly more common in scientific writing.
Can paucity be used about people?
Yes, in the sense of numbers: 'a paucity of qualified applicants' is standard. It is not used to describe a single person.
Is paucity a negative word?
Yes. It always implies the amount is inadequate, not merely small. If you simply mean 'few', paucity would be overstating it.
What is the meaning of paucity?
"paucity" (noun) means a shortage of something, or a supply that is far smaller than is needed.
