What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dryness
Example
The dryness of the desert made it difficult for plants to grow. [dryness: noun]
Example
I can feel the dryness in my skin during the winter months. [dryness: noun]
drought
Example
The farmers were struggling with the effects of the drought on their crops. [drought: noun]
Example
The region experienced a severe drought that lasted for several years. [drought: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dryness is a more common word than drought in everyday language, as it can be used to describe a variety of situations. Drought is a more specific term that is commonly used in the context of weather and agriculture.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dryness and drought?
Both dryness and drought are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.