Select the correct English synonym that best expresses the meaning of the word scarcity.

Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question asks for the synonym of the word scarcity. Synonym questions test whether you understand not only the dictionary meaning of a word, but also its usage in real sentences. Scarcity is a commonly used term in economics, environmental studies, and daily conversation. Knowing its meaning and similar words helps in reading comprehension and precise writing, which are essential for competitive examinations and academic success.

Given Data / Assumptions:

The key word in the question is scarcity.
The four answer options are opulence, myriad, plethora, and dearth.
Only one word among the options has a meaning similar to scarcity.
We assume standard modern English usage as found in newspapers and academic writing.
The goal is to choose the option that most closely matches the idea of shortage or insufficient supply.

Concept / Approach:
Scarcity refers to a state where the supply of something is very limited compared to demand. For example, scarcity of water means there is not enough water available. We need to compare each option with this meaning. Opulence means wealth or great abundance, especially of luxury. Myriad means a very large number of something. Plethora means an excess or overabundance. Dearth means a lack or shortage of something. Therefore, dearth is the only option that carries the same negative sense of not having enough of a resource, making it the correct synonym of scarcity.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the meaning of scarcity as a situation of shortage or limited availability. Step 2: Consider the meaning of opulence, which refers to lavish wealth and plenty, the opposite of shortage. Step 3: Recall that myriad indicates a very large number and generally suggests many or numerous items, not shortage. Step 4: Note that plethora represents an excessive or overflowing quantity of something, which again contrasts with scarcity. Step 5: Recognise that dearth denotes a lack or insufficient amount, matching the sense of scarcity, and therefore select dearth as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify your choice, insert each option into a sample sentence and test whether the meaning remains similar. For example, there is a scarcity of jobs in this region. Changing scarcity to dearth gives there is a dearth of jobs in this region, which clearly preserves the meaning. Replacing scarcity with opulence, myriad, or plethora changes the sense completely and sounds unnatural. This substitution test confirms that dearth is the most accurate synonym of scarcity in common usage and fits both formal and informal contexts.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A opulence means great wealth or luxurious abundance, which is almost the opposite of scarcity. Option B myriad means a countless or extremely great number, which suggests plenty rather than shortage. Option C plethora refers to an excess or much more than is needed, again the reverse of a scarce situation.

Common Pitfalls:
A common trap in synonym questions is choosing a word that feels familiar rather than one whose meaning has been carefully checked. Learners may wrongly select plethora because they have seen it in contexts of quantity without remembering it means too much rather than too little. Another frequent mistake is to think that any word used with resources must be similar, but context matters. Developing a habit of learning words in groups of opposites, such as scarcity and dearth versus abundance, plethora, and opulence, helps to fix meanings more firmly in memory and reduces confusion during the exam.

Final Answer:
dearth