as in shortage
a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number
the scarcity of good restaurants around here is surprising
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of scarcity
The scarcity is not performed but natural; small-batch production means fewer than a thousand of any one item exist.
—
Maria Williams, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
By virtue of their relative scarcity—there have been eight empty-the-tank outings since the century began—every Game 7 is an unqualified treat, but the Dodgers’ clinch was one for the ages.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 3 Nov. 2025
Renewing the Ganges River Treaty with a framework that gives Bangladesh more water may put more stress on eastern India, an area already experiencing water scarcity, and test India’s water storage capacity, especially during dry seasons.
—Pintu Kumar Mahla, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2025
Soucek has also stepped up in big moments previously, but without Bowen, there is a scarcity of offensive efficiency within the team.
—Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scarcity
Maria Williams, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
By virtue of their relative scarcity—there have been eight empty-the-tank outings since the century began—every Game 7 is an unqualified treat, but the Dodgers’ clinch was one for the ages.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 3 Nov. 2025
Renewing the Ganges River Treaty with a framework that gives Bangladesh more water may put more stress on eastern India, an area already experiencing water scarcity, and test India’s water storage capacity, especially during dry seasons.
—Pintu Kumar Mahla, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2025
Soucek has also stepped up in big moments previously, but without Bowen, there is a scarcity of offensive efficiency within the team.
—Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scarcity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scarcity
Noun
-
Wagner said the shortages of equipment and staff will have a lasting impact on rebuilding in his community.—
Jeff Nguyen,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Sale speculation has surrounded Puma since last September, and there’s been no shortage on who could be buyers for the German sportswear brand.—
Vicki M. Young,
Footwear News,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Dead drummer Mickey Hart said at one point legendary concert promoter Bill Graham vented to him about the lack of catchy songs.—
Adam Levine,
CNN Money,
11 Jan. 2026
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The first indicator is oftentimes a lack of water flow from faucets when the weather is extremely cold.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
11 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Scarcity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scarcity. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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