Word
drought
US/ˈdɹaʊt/
UK/dɹˈaʊt/
Definitions
01lack of rain
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a long period of time when there is little or no rain.
n. a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, resulting in a water shortage that affects ecosystems and agriculture.
“The crops failed this year because of the severe drought that lasted all summer.”
“The regional government declared a state of emergency after the drought depleted the reservoirs to less than twenty percent of their capacity.”
Synonyms
02lack of success
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Sports Informal
n. a long time without success or without getting something you want.
n. a metaphorical extension referring to a prolonged period without achievement, production, or success, particularly in a competitive context.
“The team finally won a game, ending their three-month scoring drought.”
“After a decade-long drought of critical acclaim, the novelist finally secured a major literary prize with her latest historical epic.”
Usage
Often used with 'ending' or 'breaking' to describe the return of success.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “drought” in context.
Verb
01. cause a drought
“Changing weather patterns can cause a devastating drought in agricultural areas.”
verb + noun
02. end the drought
“Heavy rainfall in October finally ended the drought that had plagued the state.”
verb + noun
03. survive the drought
“Many local wildlife species managed to survive the drought by migrating to the river.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. severe drought
“The region is facing a severe drought that has lasted for over six months.”
adj + noun
05. prolonged drought
“Farmers are struggling to save their crops during this prolonged drought.”
adj + noun
Noun
06. drought conditions
“The government has issued a warning as drought conditions continue to worsen.”
noun + noun
07. drought broke
“There was great celebration in the village when the drought broke and the rains returned.”
noun + verb
08. period of drought
“During a long period of drought, water rationing becomes mandatory for all residents.”
noun + of + noun
Real-World Examples
“Three-quarters of England is now officially in drought .” “While some rain is a possibility in southern England, there is a chance that some locations in drought may continue to miss out.” “There are no official droughts currently in Northern Ireland.” Etymology
From Middle English droughte, droghte, drouȝte, from Old English drūgaþ. Cognate with Dutch droogte, Low German Dröögde. By surface analysis, dry + -t (abstract nominal suffix).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
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