scarcity

noun

scar·​ci·​ty ˈsker-sə-tē How to pronounce scarcity (audio)
-stē
plural scarcities
: the quality or state of being scarce
especially : want of provisions for the support of life

Examples of scarcity in a Sentence

Scarcity of food forced the herds to move. the scarcity of good restaurants around here is surprising
Recent Examples on the Web Innovation and better salt management practices are needed across the West, but some communities will experience bigger challenges with water scarcity. The Arizona Republic, 15 Mar. 2024 That includes the escalating cost of labor and materials, as well as a scarcity of contractors to complete the project. Grace Hase, The Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2024 At the time, Kaiser Aluminum was under pressure from the Labor Department’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance to develop an affirmative action plan to address the scarcity of Black workers in the almost all-white craft ranks at the plant. Jessica Guynn, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2024 Two of the biggest issues at Mead is scarcity of parking and redevelopment of the community. Rachel Uranga, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2024 Increasing scarcity will create a strong sell pressure on short-term investors and miners. Victoria Chynoweth, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 Meanwhile, consumer demand has not been what automakers hoped, with potential buyers put off by sticker prices and the relative scarcity of charging stations. Coral Davenport, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2024 As bitcoin approaches scarcity, the value is expected to rise. Allison Morrow, CNN, 4 Mar. 2024 Even the healthiest deer live hard lives, and certain conditions — like food scarcity, brutal winter weather, drought, overpopulation, etc. — can make deer vulnerable to illness, parasites, and injury. Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'scarcity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scarcity was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near scarcity

Cite this Entry

“Scarcity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scarcity. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

scarcity

noun
scar·​ci·​ty ˈsker-sət-ē How to pronounce scarcity (audio)
ˈskar-
plural scarcities
: the quality or state of being scarce : a very small supply

More from Merriam-Webster on scarcity

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