Words / B1

FAM-in/ˈfæmɪn/

A famine is a severe shortage of food affecting a region: famine relief; widespread famine. Hunger is the everyday feeling; starvation is what happens to the body. Drought often causes famine but is not the same word. Do not call a supermarket shortage a famine. UN and UK aid news use famine as a technical warning level.

Meaning

A serious shortage of food that causes many people to starve.

Examples

• “Aid agencies warned of famine after the harvest failed.”
• “Famine relief was delayed at the border, which is why stocks ran out.”

Good to know

a famine; famine relief / warning. Everyday: hunger. Related cause: drought. Not a short shop shortage. Uncountable in famine relief.

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