as in shortage
a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number
there's a famine of good general practitioners in many rural areas
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Recent Examples of famine
While the famine designation has been lifted, hunger continues to grip parts of Gaza.
—
Michal Ruprecht, NPR, 28 Dec. 2025
Their origins came from a wanderlusting Russian plant-lover named Nikolai Vavilov who dreamed of a one-stop shop for seeds from all over the world for researchers, scientists, and breeders to learn from and use to fight famine.
—Julia Daye, Popular Science, 25 Dec. 2025
And that is not remotely close to the threshold for determining famine.
—Beth Bailey, FOXNews.com, 22 Dec. 2025
Now, facing the prospect of being sent back to famine and conflict, TPS holders have few viable pathways to remain in the United States.
—Yamiche Alcindor, NBC news, 21 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for famine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for famine
Noun
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Wagner said the shortages of equipment and staff will have a lasting impact on rebuilding in his community.—
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Sale speculation has surrounded Puma since last September, and there’s been no shortage on who could be buyers for the German sportswear brand.—
Noun
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Dead drummer Mickey Hart said at one point legendary concert promoter Bill Graham vented to him about the lack of catchy songs.—
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The first indicator is oftentimes a lack of water flow from faucets when the weather is extremely cold.—
Noun
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As the Carolina Panthers snapped a seven-season drought to claim the NFC South title, the Charlotte region may see another tourism spending boost from the team’s home playoff game last Saturday.—
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Factors behind the plummeting herd size include drought and high costs of supplies and equipment.—
Cite this Entry
“Famine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/famine. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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