scarcity

noun

scar·​ci·​ty ˈsker-sə-tē How to pronounce scarcity (audio)
-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
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.
And that means that vibe coding — as with any technology that suddenly shifts a good from scarcity to plenty — has the potential to upturn much of the core calculus, thinking and economics that underpin how and what companies currently do and build. Gina Chua, semafor.com, 5 June 2025 Its scarcity invites not just appreciation but FOMO. Mark Littler, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025 But after periods of rampant overfishing and pollution, the fish had nearly vanished from the James and, in its scarcity, gained a certain mythological status. Benjamin Cassidy, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 May 2025 Following wakeup calls about the waste and scarcity that stem from water-intensive processes, denim makers are developing methods that reduce their water impact. Carved, Sourcing Journal, 28 May 2025 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

Cite this Entry

“Scarcity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scarcity. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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

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