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

Synonyms of scarcity

• shortage
• lack

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

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

Some may leave Kabul altogether, but water scarcity is common in many parts of Afghanistan. — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 6 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

With the genre’s scarcity on the charts in 2026 — so far, Drake is the only rapper to notch a top 10 hit on the Hot 100 this year as a lead artist — flipping a once-big hit might seem like an easy remedy. — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 5 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

scarcity

noun

scar·​ci·​ty ˈsker-sət-ē 

ˈskar-

plural scarcities

: the quality or state of being scarce : a very small supply