scarcity

noun

scar·​ci·​ty ˈsker-sə-tē 

-stē

plural scarcities

: the quality or state of being scarce

especially : want of provisions for the support of life

Synonyms of scarcity

• shortage
• lack

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

Prices for the commodity have been volatile over the past few years as supplies swung dramatically one season to the next, with climate change, water scarcity, and pest and disease playing a role. — Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2026

The valuations also benefit from the extreme scarcity of the assets, with only 11 teams after the addition of Cadillac to the grid in 2026. — Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 5 Nov. 2026

Like other Mediterranean nations, Turkey faces mounting risks from heat waves, drought, water scarcity, wildfires and flooding. — ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026

Water scarcity depletes grain, grass, and other plants that cows eat, forcing ranchers to either buy supplemental feed or thin their herds to keep afloat financially. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 2 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

scarcity

noun

scar·​ci·​ty ˈsker-sət-ē 

ˈskar-

plural scarcities

: the quality or state of being scarce : a very small supply