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

This bottle retails for $150, but can easily reach more than five times the price on the secondary market due to its scarcity. —Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026

The biggest challenge facing Texas agriculture—and the hardworking Texans who depend on it—is water scarcity. —Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026

The scant criminal charges filed against disruptive demonstrators reflect a discernible scarcity of arrests citywide. —Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 13 Feb. 2026

However, the scarcity of the clinical workforce and the implications on quality of care are challenges that are only growing more acute within health care. —Ian Thomas, CNBC, 11 Feb. 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