scarcity
noun
scar·ci·ty
ˈsker-sə-tē 
-stē
plural scarcities
: the quality or state of being scarce
especially
: want of provisions for the support of life
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
Little is known about ancient entomopathogenic fungi due to the scarcity of fossils that display typical pathogenic structures on their hosts, according to the paper.
—
Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 14 July 2025
Much the same was said about the structural scarcity of bandwidth 25 years ago.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 12 July 2025
At a time of surging inflation, high unemployment and dwindling savings, the scarcity of cash has magnified the financial squeeze on families — some of whom have begun to sell their possessions to buy essential goods.
—Wafaa Shurafa, Fortune, 11 July 2025
Hirsch notes the scarcity of studies comparing evening to morning showers for hygiene; there’s no scientific verdict.
—Matt Fuchs, Time, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for scarcity
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Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 14 July 2025
Much the same was said about the structural scarcity of bandwidth 25 years ago.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 12 July 2025
At a time of surging inflation, high unemployment and dwindling savings, the scarcity of cash has magnified the financial squeeze on families — some of whom have begun to sell their possessions to buy essential goods.
—Wafaa Shurafa, Fortune, 11 July 2025
Hirsch notes the scarcity of studies comparing evening to morning showers for hygiene; there’s no scientific verdict.
—Matt Fuchs, Time, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for scarcity
Cite this Entry
“Scarcity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scarcity. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
scarcity
noun
scar·ci·ty
ˈsker-sət-ē
ˈskar-
plural scarcities
: the quality or state of being scarce : a very small supply
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