1
Insufficient evidence
Too few records, observations, or examples to support a reliable conclusion.
Example
A paucity of evidence makes the conclusion difficult to defend.
paucity
/ˈpɔːsɪti/ · PAW-suh-teenoun
A scarcity or insufficient amount of something.
Use paucity when the available evidence, data, resources, or examples are notably fewer than a purpose requires.
What paucity Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Limited data or information
A supply of information too small for confident analysis or comparison.
Example
The paucity of long-term data prevents researchers from identifying a trend.
3
Scarce resources or options
An inadequate number or amount of practical materials, opportunities, or alternatives.
Example
A paucity of affordable housing forced many workers to commute long distances.
Use paucity Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
A paucity of evidence makes the conclusion difficult to defend.
Because of the paucity of reliable records, historians cannot determine the settlement's exact population.
The review noted a relative paucity of studies involving rural schools.
Precision Matters
Paucity overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
paucity
vs.Often appears in formal academic prose and stresses insufficiency for a purpose.
scarcity
Broadly describes limited availability relative to demand.
paucity
vs.Commonly describes abstract items such as evidence or research.
shortage
Often describes a temporary practical deficit of goods or workers.
paucity
vs.Means an insufficiently small amount and normally takes of.
dearth
Is a close synonym, sometimes suggesting a more complete lack.
paucity
vs.Signals too little of something.
abundance
Signals a plentiful supply.
Test paucity in Context
The quantity of usable evidence is too small for the research purpose.
1
Only three damaged tax records survive from the settlement, and no census has been found; because of this paucity of reliable evidence, historians cannot estimate the population confidently.
As used in the text, “paucity” most nearly means…