What is the term used for a period of time with little to no rainfall, resulting in scarce water?

The term "drought" refers to an extended period of time in which there is a significant deficiency in precipitation, leading to a shortage of water for various uses, including agriculture, drinking supply, and ecosystem health. Droughts can occur due to a lack of rainfall and can have severe impacts on the environment, economy, and societal functioning.

In contrast, a flood involves an excessive amount of rainfall leading to overflow of water bodies, while storms often denote adverse weather conditions that include heavy precipitation, strong winds, or thunderstorms. A monsoon, on the other hand, is characterized by a seasonal shift in wind patterns that brings heavy rainfall, typically seen in certain climatic regions. Hence, drought is specifically characterized by its association with low rainfall over an extended period, making it the correct answer.