dry spell
C1/C2Informal to neutral; commonly used in journalism and conversation.
Definition
Meaning
A period of dry weather; a prolonged lack of rain.
A period of time when a particular positive or desired activity, outcome, or condition is lacking or infrequent.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
While the primary meaning is meteorological, the extended meaning is a common metaphorical extension applied to various domains, implying a temporary cessation or scarcity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both varieties use the term literally and metaphorically.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both: a negative, frustrating, or unproductive period.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties; perhaps slightly more frequent in US media regarding sports metaphors.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[subject] be/experience/have/go through + a dry spell[subject] break/end/snap + a/the + dry spella dry spell of + [time period/number]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to break the drought”
- “on a roll (antonymic idiom)”
- “the well has run dry (related concept)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
e.g., 'The company is hoping to end its dry spell with a new product launch.'
Academic
Used occasionally in historical/sociological contexts, e.g., 'a dry spell in publishing innovation'.
Everyday
Most common in metaphorical use for sports, dating, creativity, or luck. 'Our team hasn't scored in three games—we're in a real dry spell.'
Technical
In meteorology/hydrology, refers to a defined period with precipitation below a specific threshold.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- N/A - Not used as a verb.
American English
- N/A - Not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A - Not used as an adverb.
American English
- N/A - Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- N/A - The entire phrase 'dry spell' functions nominally. 'Dry-spell conditions' is possible but rare.
American English
- N/A - The entire phrase 'dry spell' functions nominally. 'Dry-spell conditions' is possible but rare.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The dry spell ruined the farmer's crops.
- We haven't had rain for a month; it's a serious dry spell.
- The footballer ended his scoring dry spell with a brilliant goal.
- After a creative dry spell lasting most of the year, the novelist finally had a breakthrough.
- The region's prolonged dry spell has led to strict water rationing.
- The sales team is under pressure to break its dry spell and secure a major new client.
- Archaeological evidence suggests the civilization collapsed following a catastrophic dry spell.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a DRY magic SPELL that a wizard casts on the land, stopping all rain and good fortune.
Conceptual Metaphor
LACK OF PRODUCTIVITY/SUCCESS IS A LACK OF RAIN (drought).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calques like *сухой спелл* or *сухое заклинание*. The equivalent is often засуха (literal) or полоса невезения/неудач (metaphorical).
- Do not confuse with 'spell' meaning a magical incantation. This is a different, temporal 'spell' (period of time).
Common Mistakes
- Using it for a very short period (e.g., a dry afternoon). It implies a notable duration.
- Using 'dry spell' as a verb (e.g., *'We are dry spelling'*). It is only a noun phrase.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'dry spell' LEAST likely be used metaphorically?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Rarely. It inherently describes a lack of something desirable (rain, success). A period without problems would not be a 'dry spell'.
Metaphorically, they are often interchangeable. Literally, a 'drought' is a more severe, prolonged, and officially defined period of dryness, while a 'dry spell' can be shorter and less catastrophic.
It is a two-word open compound noun, typically not hyphenated. Some dictionaries may list it with a hyphen (dry-spell) when used attributively, but the open form is most common.
Yes, it is acceptable in informal business contexts (e.g., 'a dry spell in recruitment', 'a dry spell for mergers'). For formal reports, terms like 'downturn', 'slump', or 'period of low activity' might be preferred.