paucity

[ paw-si-tee ]

noun

1. smallness of quantity; scarcity; scantiness:

   a country with a paucity of resources.

2. smallness or insufficiency of number; fewness.

paucity

/ ˈpɔːsɪtɪ /

noun

1. smallness of quantity; insufficiency; dearth
2. smallness of number; fewness

Word History and Origins

Origin of paucity¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English paucite, from Latin paucitās “fewness,” derivative of paucus “few”; -ity

Word History and Origins

Origin of paucity¹

C15: from Latin paucitās scarcity, from paucus few

Example Sentences

Furthermore, only a paucity of studies deal with the effects of plastics on the atmosphere and the cryosphere, which is that part of the Earth's surface where water is present as snow or ice.

From Science Daily

Some of them are also affecting U.S. start-ups, including a paucity of I.P.O.s and sales that allow employees to cash out and venture capital firms to realize profits.

From New York Times

“Participants were almost uniformly sobered by the paucity of effective constraints on abuse of power.”

From Salon

The paucity of parks in South Park is an irony that is not lost on its residents.

From Los Angeles Times

In years past, we might have lamented the paucity of notice for Prime Video's "Fallout."

From Salon

Related Words

• dearth
• insufficiency
• smallness