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.
Sandstorms and dust storms, wildfires and water scarcity further burden governments, exacerbating poverty and health crises in the most affected regions. Narcisa Pricope, The Conversation, 10 Feb. 2025 Most of the time Haaland’s lack of movement at the top of the team can be excused due to a scarcity of space to attack. Thom Harris, The Athletic, 6 Feb. 2025 The Story Of Reticular Chemistry By Tom Howarth Science Reporter (Nature) Newsweek Is A Trust Project Member news article 0 Advances in a field of research known as reticular chemistry could provide a breakthrough solution to the growing water scarcity crisis in the western United States. Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025 During the fundraising process, potential investors inquired about future scarcity, but the team reassured that there is ample excess stock that is decades old and in near-pristine condition — and that’s just in the French warehouses. Rhonda Richford, WWD, 6 Feb. 2025 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 16 Feb. 2025.

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

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