paucity — the presence of something in only small or insufficient quantities; scarcity
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the presence of something in only small or insufficient quantities; scarcity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈpɔːsɪti/
Example Sentences
- The restaurant's paucity of vegetarian options left me eating bread and water like a medieval prisoner.
- Despite the paucity of volunteers, the charity event was surprisingly successful.
- The professor's paucity of jokes made his three-hour lecture feel like a lifetime sentence.
paucity
NOUN[/ˈpɔːsɪti/]
the presence of something in only small or insufficient quantities; scarcity

The paucity of rain left the village well nearly empty by summer.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'paucitas', derived from 'paucus' meaning 'few' or 'small in number'. The word entered English through Old French and Medieval Latin.
Breakdown
pauc- (few, small) + -ity (noun suffix indicating a state or quality) = paucity (the state of being few or scarce)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The restaurant's paucity of vegetarian options left me eating bread and water like a medieval prisoner.”
“Despite the paucity of volunteers, the charity event was surprisingly successful.”
“The professor's paucity of jokes made his three-hour lecture feel like a lifetime sentence.”
“The paucity of rainfall this year has caused serious agricultural problems.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.