drought
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 5The community had to restrict water usage during the summer drought.
The community had to restrict water usage during the summer drought.
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.
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
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
The community had to restrict water usage during the summer drought.
everydayThe community had to restrict water usage during the summer drought.
The government is implementing new policies to mitigate the effects of the prolonged drought in the region.
formalThe government is implementing new policies to mitigate the effects of the prolonged drought in the region.
I hope this rain finally breaks the drought we've been having lately.
informalI hope this rain finally breaks the drought we've been having lately.
Meteorological data suggests that the frequency of severe droughts has increased due to global climate shifts.
academicMeteorological data suggests that the frequency of severe droughts has increased due to global climate shifts.
The company faced a revenue drought after its main product line became obsolete.
businessThe company faced a revenue drought after its main product line became obsolete.
Word Family
Common Collocations
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
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.
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
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
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