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

Value comes down to scarcity, condition, brand heritage and demand. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 June 2026

When the scarce resource is the physical capacity to build and package advanced silicon, the companies that hold the designs and the manufacturing relationships are sitting exactly where the scarcity is. — Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

Collectors are competing for works with scarcity, exceptional provenance, and a clear place in art history. — George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 24 June 2026

The pyramid was built for scarcity. — Brett Hurt, Fortune, 23 June 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