scarcer; scarcest
1
: deficient in quantity or number compared with the demand : not plentiful or abundant
2
: intentionally absent
made himself scarce at inspection time
scarceness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of scarce in a Sentence
Adjective
Food was getting scarce during the drought.
food was a bit scarce last winter
Adverb
I could scarce believe what I was hearing.
Recent Examples on the Web
John Leos, The Arizona Republic, 2 Nov. 2024
Dinner or lunch is a better option for glamorous people watching, but be sure to plan ahead since table spots are scarce all year round.
—Alexandra Zagalsky, theweek, 1 Nov. 2024
In both full and restricted practice settings, expanded NP scope of practice can improve healthcare access where needs are great and providers are scarce.
—Jesse Corn, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
Adults diagnostic testing, especially genetic screening, is also scarce given the high cost of DNA analysis.
—Bymyriam Vidal Valero, science.org, 28 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for scarce 
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Adjective
In the fall, bears must consume around 20,000 calories daily to store enough fat to survive the winter months, when food is scarce.
—John Leos, The Arizona Republic, 2 Nov. 2024
Dinner or lunch is a better option for glamorous people watching, but be sure to plan ahead since table spots are scarce all year round.
—Alexandra Zagalsky, theweek, 1 Nov. 2024
In both full and restricted practice settings, expanded NP scope of practice can improve healthcare access where needs are great and providers are scarce.
—Jesse Corn, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
Adults diagnostic testing, especially genetic screening, is also scarce given the high cost of DNA analysis.
—Bymyriam Vidal Valero, science.org, 28 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for scarce
Dictionary Entries Near scarce
Cite this Entry
“Scarce.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scarce. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
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