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

Ending the survey allows the government to preserve a different story, one in which scarcity is aberrant and prosperity is the norm, and any evidence to the contrary can be written off as exceptional.

From Salon

Google said it is focused on “advancing responsible water use,” and that last year, 72% of its water “came from sources at low risk of water depletion or scarcity.”

From Los Angeles Times

Residents reported journeys taking hours and costing hundreds of shekels due to the scarcity of transport and soaring prices.

From BBC

Some funds have also been approved for the rehabilitation and upgrade of boreholes across Maiduguri and surrounding communities to address water scarcity caused by the flood.

From BBC

Humanitarian organisations have been unable to access el-Fasher for months and the remaining civilians are enduring constant bombardment, food scarcity and difficulties in accessing medical care.

From BBC

Related Words

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