Choose the appropriate Synonym from the options given below for the word- Dearth
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Scarcity
- Dearth means a lack of something, too little of it. It comes from "dear" (costly): a dearth was a time when food was scarce and therefore dear.
Example: There is a dearth of good teachers in rural schools. - Scarcity means a shortage, not enough of something. Both words name a lack, so scarcity is the synonym.
Example: The scarcity of water forced the villagers to dig new wells.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: Plenty — Incorrect. Plenty means a large amount, more than enough; it is the opposite of dearth.
Example: There is plenty of food for everyone.
Option 3: Failure — Incorrect. Failure means lack of success, not a shortage of something.
Example: The plan ended in failure.
Option 4: Sufficient — Incorrect. Sufficient is an adjective meaning enough; it is nearly the opposite of dearth.
Example: We have sufficient funds for the trip.
| Synonyms (Dearth) | Antonyms (Dearth) |
|---|---|
| scarcity | plenty |
| shortage | abundance |
| lack | profusion |
| paucity | surplus |
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| dearth | 13-05 S1 29-05 S2 | – | – | – | – |