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
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
Water scarcity is a huge global issue.
—
Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2025
Who are any of these actors or directors in a world where movies might become a scarcity?
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
None of this is easy, especially in a time of scarcity, such as what Chicago and governments across Illinois face.
—Debra Gittler, Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2025
An explainer on some of the circuit breakers also says that special-purpose breakers, such as oil circuit breakers and high-voltage SF6 gas breakers, can cost more due to scarcity.
—Gabrielle Chenault, Nashville Tennessean, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scarcity
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Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2025
Who are any of these actors or directors in a world where movies might become a scarcity?
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
None of this is easy, especially in a time of scarcity, such as what Chicago and governments across Illinois face.
—Debra Gittler, Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2025
An explainer on some of the circuit breakers also says that special-purpose breakers, such as oil circuit breakers and high-voltage SF6 gas breakers, can cost more due to scarcity.
—Gabrielle Chenault, Nashville Tennessean, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scarcity
Cite this Entry
“Scarcity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scarcity. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
scarcity
noun
scar·ci·ty
ˈsker-sət-ē
ˈskar-
plural scarcities
: the quality or state of being scarce : a very small supply
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