Synonyms of scarcity

scarcity

noun

ˈsker-sə-tē 

as in shortage

a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number

the scarcity of good restaurants around here is surprising

Synonyms & Similar Words

• shortage
• lack
• deficiency
• paucity
• deficit
• drought
• famine
• poverty
• inadequacy
• absence
• dearth
• insufficiency
• undersupply
• scarceness
• crunch
• scantiness
• lacuna
• inadequateness
• failure
• pinch
• omission
• necessity
• want
• privation
• meagerness
• skimpiness
• need
• poorness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• abundance
• wealth
• sufficiency
• adequacy
• plenty
• amplitude
• opulence
• plenitude
• surplus
• excess
• overabundance
• oversupply
• surfeit
• copiousness
• bountifulness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of scarcity

The scarcity of Gehry’s work in New York has made these principal buildings all the more critical to the fabric of contemporary architecture and to Gehry’s mark on the Big Apple. — Maya Chawla, Architectural Digest, 19 Aug. 2026

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

This is where the scarcity behavior becomes legible as data rather than vibes. — Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 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