famine

[fam-in]

noun

1. extreme and general scarcity of food, as in a country or a large geographical area.

2. any extreme and general scarcity.

   Synonyms: scantness, meagerness, poverty, paucity, dearth

3. extreme hunger; starvation.

famine

/ ˈfæmɪn /

noun

1. a severe shortage of food, as through crop failure or overpopulation

2. acute shortage of anything

3. violent hunger

Word History and Origins

Origin of famine¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English, from Middle French, derivative of faim “hunger,” from Latin famēs; famish

Word History and Origins

Origin of famine¹

C14: from Old French, via Vulgar Latin, from Latin famēs hunger

Idioms and Phrases

see feast or famine.

Example Sentences

Three months later, a famine was declared in Gaza City.

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A 2000 working paper from the Institute of Development Studies estimated that 70 million people died from famine in the 20th century, highlighting the significant progress to end this problem thanks to international cooperation.

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According to the United Nations, nearly 100,000 people have fled El-Fasher and surrounding areas since the city's fall, while tens of thousands remain trapped in famine conditions after an 18-month-long siege.

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There would be many years of famine, unrest, revolution, and other difficulties yet to come.

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Hailed by many as one of the greatest live shows of all time, the band had not originally been scheduled to appear at the benefit concert for the 1983-1985 Ethiopia famine.

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Related Words

• drought 
• misery 
• poverty 
• scarcity 
• starvation