Drought
draʊt
Definitions
2 meaningsA prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall; a shortage of water resulting from this.
draʊt
A prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water.
The region is suffering from a prolonged drought.
💡 Simply: Imagine the rain just doesn't come for a really, really long time! That's a drought. It's like a super long, dry spell where plants and animals are thirsty and can't find water.
👶 For kids: When it doesn't rain for a long, long time, and the ground gets dry, that's called a drought!
More Examples
The drought has severely impacted local farmers.
Water restrictions were implemented due to the ongoing drought.
How It's Used
"California is experiencing a severe drought, impacting agriculture and water resources."
"The drought caused significant crop failures this year."
A prolonged shortage or absence of something considered desirable.
draʊt
A prolonged or serious shortage of something.
There's been a drought of creativity in the marketing department.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, a drought doesn't mean no water, but not enough of something else you want, like new ideas or interesting movies. It's a long period of not getting much of that good thing.
👶 For kids: Sometimes, drought means you don't have enough of something you like, like candy! If there is a drought of candy you have to wait to get it.
More Examples
The city faced a drought of skilled workers in the technology sector.
The artist experienced a drought of inspiration.
How It's Used
"The company is facing a drought of new investment."
"There has been a drought of good films this year."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
From Middle English *drouth*, *droughthe*, from Old English *drūgath* 'dryness, thirst', related to *drūgan* 'to dry'.
The word 'drought' has been used since the Old English period, originally signifying dryness.
Memory tip
Think of a DRought as a lack of Rain, a DRY out.
Word Origin
"dryness, lack of rain"