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 of the precious commodity have swung dramatically from one season to the next, particularly as issues such as climate change, water scarcity and pest and disease pressures persist. — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026

Chile, Zambia, and the DRC demonstrate that the world’s copper problem is not simply one of scarcity, but one of access. — Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

In Chinese government documents and public discussions, many officials voiced concerns about future scarcity. — Gloria Xiong, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026

Creating scarcity can push people to respond quickly instead of checking whether the opportunity is legitimate. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 18 Aug. 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