B2 verb Neutral

drought

/draʊt/

A drought is a prolonged period of time characterized by a lack of precipitation, leading to a severe shortage of water. In a broader sense, it can also refer to a continuous period without a particular item or activity, such as a lack of success in sports.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The community had to restrict water usage during the summer drought.

The community had to restrict water usage during the summer drought.

2

The government is implementing new policies to mitigate the effects of the prolonged drought in the region.

The government is implementing new policies to mitigate the effects of the prolonged drought in the region.

3

I hope this rain finally breaks the drought we've been having lately.

I hope this rain finally breaks the drought we've been having lately.

Word Family

Noun
drought
Adjective
droughty
Related
dryness
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Memory Tip

Think of the 'D' for 'Dry' and 'Out' for 'Rough'. Drought makes the land 'Dry' and 'Out' of water.

Quick Quiz

After six months without rain, the farmers feared the _______ would destroy their crops.

Correct!

The correct answer is: drought

Examples

1

The community had to restrict water usage during the summer drought.

everyday

The community had to restrict water usage during the summer drought.

2

The government is implementing new policies to mitigate the effects of the prolonged drought in the region.

formal

The government is implementing new policies to mitigate the effects of the prolonged drought in the region.

3

I hope this rain finally breaks the drought we've been having lately.

informal

I hope this rain finally breaks the drought we've been having lately.

4

Meteorological data suggests that the frequency of severe droughts has increased due to global climate shifts.

academic

Meteorological data suggests that the frequency of severe droughts has increased due to global climate shifts.

5

The company faced a revenue drought after its main product line became obsolete.

business

The company faced a revenue drought after its main product line became obsolete.

Word Family

Noun
drought
Adjective
droughty
Related
dryness

Common Collocations

severe drought extreme water shortage
prolonged drought long-lasting water shortage
drought-stricken area a region suffering from drought
break the drought to end a period of no rain or no success
drought relief aid provided to those affected by drought

Common Phrases

goal drought

a long period where a player or team fails to score

drought-resistant

plants or crops that can survive with very little water

water drought

a physical lack of water resources

Often Confused With

drought vs draught

Draught (pronounced like 'draft') refers to a current of cool air or beer from a cask, whereas drought (pronounced like 'drowt') refers to a lack of rain.

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Usage Notes

Although it is primarily used to describe weather and environmental conditions, it is very common in journalism to use it metaphorically for a lack of success or money.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often struggle with the 'ought' spelling, sometimes confusing the pronunciation with 'thought' (/θɔːt/). Remember it rhymes with 'out'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'D' for 'Dry' and 'Out' for 'Rough'. Drought makes the land 'Dry' and 'Out' of water.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Old English 'drugath', meaning dryness, which comes from the Proto-Germanic root for 'dry'.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun (can be plural: droughts) Often follows adjectives like 'severe', 'acute', or 'persistent' Usually used with the definite article 'the' when referring to a specific event
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Cultural Context

In many agricultural societies, a drought is not just weather but a major economic and cultural disaster often referenced in literature and history.

Quick Quiz

After six months without rain, the farmers feared the _______ would destroy their crops.

Correct!

The correct answer is: drought

Related Words

prenumerant

C1

Describing a payment or a person that pays in advance for a service, publication, or product. It is a formal, often archaic term used to signify that financial obligations are met prior to the delivery of goods.

hypersalvure

C1

To apply extreme, multi-layered, or high-intensity methods to rescue, recover, or preserve something of significant value. This term is typically used in specialized technical or administrative contexts where standard salvage operations are deemed insufficient for the risk involved.

macrovivcide

C1

A chemical agent or substance specifically formulated to kill large living organisms, such as invasive macro-fauna or predatory pests. It is typically employed in large-scale ecological management or high-level biological containment to eliminate organisms visible to the naked eye.

interphotoly

C1

To facilitate or engage in the interaction between separate systems or components using light-based signals or optical data exchange. This verb specifically describes the process of synchronizing or transferring information via photons across an interface.

overclamdom

C1

A state or condition of excessive silence, secretiveness, or refusal to communicate, often resulting in a breakdown of transparency or social connection. It describes an overwhelming degree of 'clamming up' or being emotionally and verbally unreachable.

univerbible

C1

Describes a concept, truth, or set of principles that is considered universally applicable and as authoritative as a sacred text. It suggests a singular, definitive guide that transcends specific cultural or disciplinary boundaries.

preprivsion

C1

To proactively allocate or configure resources, permissions, or digital infrastructure in advance of their actual requirement. This verb is primarily used in technical and organizational contexts to describe the preparation of a system for immediate use upon a specific trigger.

posttribate

C1

Describes a theological or theoretical position held by those who believe certain significant events occur after a period of intense trial or suffering. It is most commonly used in eschatology to refer to the belief that the Rapture occurs after the Great Tribulation.

oversolure

C1

A noun referring to the implementation of an unnecessarily complex, redundant, or excessive solution to a relatively simple problem. It describes a state of over-engineering where the resources or complexity involved far exceed the actual requirements of the situation.

disspirty

C1

Characterized by a lack of spirit, enthusiasm, or hope, typically occurring after a setback or disappointment. It describes a psychological state where one's morale is significantly dampened or discouraged.

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