Paucity

Paucity

ˈpȯ-sə-tē

Noun

  • Smallness of number; fewness.
  • Smallness of quantity; dearth.

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Example Sentences

“My fridge has a paucity of actual food and an abundance of expired condiments.”

“Her resume showed a paucity of relevant experience, but her cover letter was incredible.”

“There’s a paucity of vegetarian options at most steakhouses.”

Word Origin

Latin, 15th century

Why this word?

Having too little of something is a paucity — the word comes from the Latin “paucus,” meaning “little.” But the word “paucity” isn’t an adjective. It can’t be used to refer to a little animal or a small house. Instead it’s a noun used to designate a little quantity or amount of something. You might have a paucity of options to choose from, or a paucity of hope in a certain outcome. 

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