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匮乏
kuìfá
shortage
这个地区的水资源严重匮乏。
The water resources in this region are severely in shortage.
formal
A state of being in short supply; scarcity.
由于资源匮乏，当地居民生活困难。
Due to the scarcity of resources, local residents face difficult living conditions.
这个国家的粮食匮乏问题日益严重。
The country's food shortage problem is becoming increasingly severe.
Often used in formal contexts to describe shortages of essential resources like food, water, or funds.
Pro Tip
Usage Context
Use '匮乏' to describe critical shortages of essential resources like water, food, or funds. Avoid using it for minor or temporary lacks.
Word Origin
The word '匮乏' (kuìfá) is composed of two Chinese characters: '匮' (kuì) meaning 'lack' or 'deficient,' and '乏' (fá) meaning 'shortage' or 'exhausted.' Together, they emphasize a severe lack of essential resources.
Usage Notes
While '缺乏' (quēfá) also means 'lack' or 'shortage,' '匮乏' carries a stronger connotation of scarcity or depletion, often implying a critical or urgent situation. It is commonly used in formal writing, reports, or academic contexts.
Word Breakdown
匮
lack or deficient
root乏
shortage or exhausted
root汉英词典