scarcity

noun

scar·​ci·​ty ˈsker-sə-tē How to pronounce scarcity (audio)
-stē
plural scarcities
: the quality or state of being scarce
especially : want of provisions for the support of life

Examples of scarcity in a Sentence

Scarcity of food forced the herds to move. the scarcity of good restaurants around here is surprising
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Highlight limited-time offers and scarcity to create a sense of urgency. John Readman, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 Aircraft scarcity is also limiting airlines from adding many flights. Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 3 Nov. 2024 Home sales are at a 14-year low, and the scarcity of listings is likely to nudge purchase prices higher. Andrea Riquier, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024 His fear that white Americans were being replaced by an army of invaders who must be repelled seemed to me symptoms of a reactive white supremacy, exacerbated by worries over scarcity brought on by the radically changing environment. Abrahm Lustgarten, ProPublica, 19 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for scarcity 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scarcity was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near scarcity

Cite this Entry

“Scarcity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scarcity. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

scarcity

noun
scar·​ci·​ty ˈsker-sət-ē How to pronounce scarcity (audio)
ˈskar-
plural scarcities
: the quality or state of being scarce : a very small supply

More from Merriam-Webster on scarcity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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