famine

noun4

1. •
   Extreme shortage of food in a region.

   • Dr. Bhatia pointed out that famine had occurred in all ages and in all societies where means of communication and transport were not developed. — 1971
2. •
   A period of extreme shortage of food in a region.

   • The root causes of the current famine are known: poverty, low health standards.... — 1986
3. •
   Severe shortage or lack of something.
4. •
   (old-fashioned) Starvation or malnutrition.

   • His own flesh, however, which he lost by famine, shall be restored to him by Him who can recover even what has evaporated. — 1871