Words denoting deficiency or non-existence, absence, dearth, lack, scarcity and shortage.

 

Dearth is closer in meaning to lack and scarcity. These words can mean total or partial insufficiency. Usually an adjective is used with them to express total deficiency.

Ex – You display a complete lack of manners.

Absence is opposite of presence and thus it always means complete lack.

Ex – There is absence of bread in this store.

Shortage always means partial insufficiency, usually of an established amount.

Ex – There was shortage of medicine in the village.

Leave a Comment