scarcity

noun

ˈsker-sə-tē How to pronounce scarcity (audio)
Definition of scarcitynext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of scarcity Once discovery runs continuously and automatically, scarcity moves somewhere else. — Ido Geffen, Forbes.com, 5 Nov. 2026 Water scarcity depletes grain, grass, and other plants that cows eat, forcing ranchers to either buy supplemental feed or thin their herds to keep afloat financially. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 2 Nov. 2026 Meanwhile, extreme weather and water scarcity are posing new risks to farming. — Ann Scott Tyson, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Nov. 2026 Money and time are limited, and economists call this scarcity. — Julie Weaver, Baltimore Sun, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scarcity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scarcity
  1. shortage
  2. lack
Noun
  • The system is also grappling with a shortage of air traffic controllers as the agency works to replace aging infrastructure ahead of holiday travel season.
    — Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Nov. 2026
  • Ukrainian drone strikes are taking a significant toll on Russia’s oil sector and logistics networks, which means Russian citizens face mounting gas and commodities shortages.
    — Charles Kupchan, Foreign Affairs, 13 Nov. 2026
Definition of shortage
Noun
  • However, the underlying metrics to that MVP-level first-half performance, particularly his out-of-zone chase rate and lack of plate discipline, fully emerged during a difficult second half.
    — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 13 Nov. 2026
  • Despite the apparent lack of progress, opponents have continued to organize demonstrations against the proposal.
    — Aaron Parseghian, CBS News, 13 Nov. 2026
Definition of lack

Browse Nearby Words

scarcities
scarcity
scare
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Cite this Entry

“Scarcity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scarcity. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on scarcity

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about scarcity

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