Words / C2

PORS-uh-tee/ˈpɔːsəti/

Paucity means there is too little of something — a thin supply. Academic writers use a paucity of evidence instead of a lack of when they want a cooler, more formal noun. In speech lack or too few; paucity in conversation sounds pretentious.

Meaning

A lack of something; too small an amount.

Examples

• “There is a paucity of evidence for that claim.”
• “A paucity of witnesses weakened the case.”
• “The town suffers from a paucity of affordable flats.”

Good to know

a paucity of + noun. Everyday: lack / shortage.

Near in meaning

lack

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