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DictionarypaucityScarcity
noun

paucity

PAW-suh-tee/ˈpɔːsəti/

A shortage or small amount of something.

The single roll reveals a paucity of bread for six diners.

An almost empty bread basket holding one small roll sits among six empty dinner plates, making the scant supply relative to the places immediately visible.
Etymology
paucLatinfew, little
+ityLatinstate or quality

The pieces express the condition of being few or little. Paucity applies that idea to a quantity or supply, especially one that falls short of what is needed.

In context

La Politique122:00
because of the paucity of time we had to keep the lectures very very limited
Globalization's Conundrum- Are we in a state of flux? | Prof. Antonio & Prof. Miguel | La Politique

More examples

  • The town faces a paucity of affordable housing.
  • Despite a paucity of ingredients, she prepares a delicious meal.
  • The report criticizes the paucity of research on this treatment.

Forms

paucity

Similar words

scarcity
Emphasizes limited availability rather than simply a small amount.
shortage
Explicitly indicates that supply falls below what is needed.
dearth
Often suggests a more serious lack of something needed.