Use the sentences to answer the question.

The dearth of women in our government is clear; women make up half of the total population but only a quarter of Congress.

Based on the context clues in the sentence, what is the most likely meaning of dearth?
(1 point)
Responses

a lack of something
a lack of something
a type of government
a type of government
a group of people
a group of people
a number that is very small