water scarcity
/ˈwɔː.tər ˈskɛr.sɪ.ti/ · wa·ter scar·ci·ty
noun
- A condition in which the available fresh‑water resources are insufficient to meet the demands of a region’s population, agriculture, and industry. Prolonged water scarcity has forced farmers in the basin to switch to drought‑tolerant crops.
- The broader global issue of limited water supply caused by over‑use, pollution, and climate change. International agencies warn that water scarcity could affect more than half the world’s population by 2050.
Synonyms
water shortagewater stressdroughtdrynesshydric deficitinsufficient waterdearth of waterwater paucity
Antonyms
Did you know? The phrase "water scarcity" entered mainstream discourse after the 2003 UN World Water Development Report, which highlighted it as a critical 21st‑century challenge.