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

It is eroded by an economy hollowed out by corruption and mismanagement, by the strain of sanctions, by the daily anxiety of inflation, scarcity, and unemployment and by the relentless destruction of Iran’s environment. —Narges Mohammadi, Time, 5 Dec. 2025

Everyone working here wears many hats, in part because scarcity breeds necessity, but also to maintain a standard of hospitality expected for this price point. —Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 5 Dec. 2025

So not only were our ancestors eating plants, but engaged in plant processing methods that go beyond foraging in a time of big-game scarcity. —New Atlas, 4 Dec. 2025

Yet the funding cuts and scarcity of resources are very real. —Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Nov. 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