Hello! In the dictionary, both "dearth" and "lack" mean that something is missing, but dearth seems to be an archaic word and it probably isn't used often at all! In fact, as an English grad I had never come across this word before! So I'd suggest that it's good to know its meaning, but you probably won't find it outside of ancient works of literature or maybe academic papers. I hope to have helped you!

"There was a dearth of creativity in the class" is a good example of how to use dearth. Dearth is used infrequently, and would most likely be found when the topic is serious. I can imagine an angry art teacher saying, "I have never seen such a dearth of creativity in my classes." FYI, "Lack" can be used as a noun, but it is more often used as a verb. For example, "The students in the class lacked creativity." "Dearth" can only be used as a noun.

Hi Oscar, I hope you are well. Dearth, as defined by the dictionary, is an amount or supply that is not large enough. It also means a situation when there is not enough of something. So your suggestion of using shortage fits correctly, but be careful which situation/context you want to use the word. Dearth is a formal word, so it would be better suited in an academic or business environment, whereas shortage is more of an informal word. Example: Formal The scientists are concerned that there is a dearth of research on the subject. Informal There is a shortage of apartments in my area. I hope this helps.