dearth

an acute insufficiency

Scarcity which renders dear; want; lack; specifically, lack of food on account of failure of crops; famine.

Old English dēorþ, scarcity

“Is it my deficiency of attraction, or a total dearth of gallant snobs?' The Countess was drowned.”

— George Meredith, Complete Project Gutenberg Works of George Meredith

“Vigée Le Brun praised her wit and intellect, although Vigée Le Brun found little inspirations in these evenings, citing Kaufmann's lack of enthusiasm and Vigée Le Brun's own dearth of knowledge.”