noun
-
inadequate supply; dearth; paucity
-
rarity or infrequent occurrence
Other Word Forms
- nonscarcity noun
Etymology
Origin of scarcity
First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English scarsete(e), from Old North French escarsete; equivalent to scarce + -ity
Compare meaning
How does scarcity compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
His trade has been heavily impacted by the fuel scarcity and the fall in tourism.
From BBC
A medical doctor, Drew studied for seven years in Cuba and said friends there have told him of food scarcity, power outages and garbage strewn in the streets.
From Barron's
This award-winning hedge fund manager is betting the era of capital abundance becomes one of capital scarcity.
From MarketWatch
Fundamental to Clark’s investment worldview is his conviction that “the era of capital abundance has ended” and global markets are adjusting towards a new epoch of capital scarcity.
From MarketWatch
The price of copper "does not factor in future scarcity", said Louvet.
From Barron's
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
