scarcity

[skair-si-tee]

noun

plural

scarcities 

1. insufficiency or shortness of supply; dearth.

   Synonyms: paucity, lack, want, shortage

2. rarity; infrequency.

scarcity

/ ˈskɛəsɪtɪ /

noun

1. inadequate supply; dearth; paucity

2. rarity or infrequent occurrence

Other Word Forms

• nonscarcity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of scarcity¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English scarsete(e), from Old North French escarsete; equivalent to scarce + -ity

Example Sentences

The surge in Scholastic’s book sales demonstrates that scarcity creates value.

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Another way that artists “feed the frenzy” is by manufacturing scarcity.

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Investors are paying record premiums to secure immediate access to the metal, highlighting the scarcity of available bars in London vaults due to rising speculative demand.

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Most of the stone tools measured under 30mm, possibly reflecting a scarcity of large stones in the area.

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These are communities built on the idea of plenty, now confronting what scarcity really looks like.

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Related Words

• dearth 
• drought 
• famine 
• inadequacy 
• insufficiency 
• lack 
• paucity 
• shortage