scarcity

noun

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

Synonyms of scarcity

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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.
Because of the wide effects of water availability or scarcity, WWF is taking a supply chain-wide approach to conservation. — Sarah Jones, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2026 Prakash said these facilities face overlapping threats from flooding, heat, unreliable electricity and water scarcity. — Sibi Arasu, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026 With just 10 teams in the league, and no further expansion in sight, the scarcity of these assets has helped drive their meteoric climb. — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 28 Oct. 2026 Money and time are limited, and economists call this scarcity. — Julie Weaver, Baltimore Sun, 28 Oct. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

scarceness
scarcity
scarcity economics
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Cite this Entry

“Scarcity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scarcity. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about scarcity

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