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

• 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

There will be three companies that will either stand on their own or be bought by private equity, although the scarcity in aerospace company coupled with a pro-merger Federal Trade Commission will probably make that company a takeover target almost immediately. —Jim Cramer, CNBC, 27 July 2025

Consumed as a necessity in times of scarcity, it’s now traditionally eaten at the midwinter festival in February. —New York Times, 24 July 2025

It’s got certain parallels with economics: invest and take risks in times of abundance; save and be conservative in times of scarcity. —Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 23 July 2025

Or maybe my scarcity mindset around men and motherhood was all in my head. —Ruthie Ackerman july 21, Literary Hub, 21 July 2025

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