Dearth/dɜːrθ/ Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Subject Importance Use 'dearth' to highlight a significant lack of something important or valuable. The committee noted a dearth of credible research on the subject. Pro Tip 2/3Implies Negativity 'Dearth' implies a negative situation that could cause problems or limitations. The farmers are worried about the dearth of rainfall this season. Pro Tip 3/3Not for Abundance Avoid using 'dearth' in contexts where there is an abundance or sufficiency of something. You cannot speak of a dearth of water in a flooded area.