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
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
Cindy Krischer Goodman, Orlando Sentinel, 3 Mar. 2025
The area normally can expect 38.4 inches, according to the National Weather Service.
Chicago was warmer than average during the 2023-24 season due to a La Niña climate system, which meant snow was scarce.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2025
First embraced by shoemakers when leather was scarce during World War II, the tightly woven palm fibers are ideal for warmer climates, which Canary Islands native Manolo Blahnik surely knows a thing or two about.
—Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 2 Mar. 2025
Part of the problem is airlines’ rush to win over high-paying customers by offering comforts and more of the scarce space on board — even if a few extra inches.
—Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 2 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scarce
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Adjective
Over the last decade, counties where large majorities of residents drink fluoridated water have consistently posted low rates of emergency room visits for dental conditions, especially in comparison to counties where fluoridated water is relatively scarce.
—Cindy Krischer Goodman, Orlando Sentinel, 3 Mar. 2025
The area normally can expect 38.4 inches, according to the National Weather Service.
Chicago was warmer than average during the 2023-24 season due to a La Niña climate system, which meant snow was scarce.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2025
First embraced by shoemakers when leather was scarce during World War II, the tightly woven palm fibers are ideal for warmer climates, which Canary Islands native Manolo Blahnik surely knows a thing or two about.
—Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 2 Mar. 2025
Part of the problem is airlines’ rush to win over high-paying customers by offering comforts and more of the scarce space on board — even if a few extra inches.
—Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 2 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scarce
Cite this Entry
“Scarce.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scarce. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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