scarcity

noun

ˈsker-sə-tē How to pronounce scarcity (audio)
Definition of scarcitynext
as in shortage
a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number the scarcity of good restaurants around here is surprising

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of scarcity The industry paradox is that the complexity and speed of this new breed of attack, combined with the scarcity of security talent, are leading some organizations to solely rely on AI automation. — Carlos Morales, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026 That’s due to the scarcity of this type of tree, as well as the porous nature of the wood which means that there is a very high angel’s share during maturation. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2026 Farmers are also navigating rising input costs, water scarcity, tightening margins, labor constraints, and growing expectations around traceability and compliance. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026 What’s Happening The clearest consumer breakout came in August 2023, when Trader Joe’s frozen kimbap sold out nationally after social-media amplification and in-store scarcity. — Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scarcity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scarcity
  1. shortage
  2. lack
Noun
  • The bigger issue, Chesky argues, is a shortage of new construction.
    — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Recently, anger at this collateral damage, heightened by the fish shortage, has evolved into a political movement.
    — Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of shortage
Noun
  • The demonstrations first erupted last month in a high school in Creteil, southeast of Paris, over a lack of staff.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Management is guiding to flat EBITDA margins for the year, as lower-margin acquisitions and a fading FX tailwind offset productivity gains, so don't be worried about a lack of profitability growth in coming quarters.
    — Josh Brown,Sean Russo, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of lack

Browse Nearby Words

scarcities
scarcity
scare
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Cite this Entry

“Scarcity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scarcity. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on scarcity

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about scarcity

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