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
More:Blinken entourage rushes to shelter amid Hezbollah attack on Tel Aviv
Laws could trigger 'collapse' of Gaza's humanitarian system
The U.N. said the end of UNRWA's work in Israeli territory could devastate a refugee population already at imminent risk of famine and disease.
—
Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 2024
These are often short- or long-term catastrophes that have major effects on human lives: famines, migration, and stability of governments.
—Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024
Whether suddenly displaced by famine, natural disaster, or war, those urgently in need of a safe place to stay must often rely on refuge provided by humanitarian organizations.
—Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 14 Oct. 2024
Meanwhile, famine has swept Gaza, with around half a million people facing starvation, the U.N. says.
—Alexander Smith, NBC News, 6 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for famine 
Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 2024
These are often short- or long-term catastrophes that have major effects on human lives: famines, migration, and stability of governments.
—Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024
Whether suddenly displaced by famine, natural disaster, or war, those urgently in need of a safe place to stay must often rely on refuge provided by humanitarian organizations.
—Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 14 Oct. 2024
Meanwhile, famine has swept Gaza, with around half a million people facing starvation, the U.N. says.
—Alexander Smith, NBC News, 6 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for famine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for famine
Noun
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It is often assumed that, absent migration, low fertility will cause a country’s labor force to shrink, leading to shortages of workers, decreased productivity, and a diminishing tax base.Vegard Skirbekk, Foreign Affairs, 6 Nov. 2024
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While staff shortages pose an enormous challenge, school districts remain legally obligated–regardless of resources—to educate students with disabilities.Emily Harvey, The Denver Post, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
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But federal health officials say the lack of heating and pasteurization poses risks like exposure to harmful bacteria like E. coli and listeria — a concern that's been amplified by bird flu spreading among dairy cattle.Natalie Daher, Axios, 20 Nov. 2024
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Earlier this month Qatar said it could no longer be involved in mediation efforts due to a lack of willingness by both Hamas and Israel to engage in good faith attempts to end the deadly conflict.Caitlin McFall, Fox News, 20 Nov. 2024
Noun
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If the drought persists, who’s going to feel it the most?Clio Chang, Curbed, 5 Nov. 2024
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But now, due to the ongoing regional drought, the bridge and parts of the surrounding town have resurfaced, attracting visitors from near and far to marvel at the rare sight.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near famine
Cite this Entry
“Famine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/famine. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
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