scantiness

noun

Definition of scantinessnext
as in shortage
a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number the scantiness of grass meant that we had to feed the cows extra hay

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scantiness
  1. shortage
  2. lack
  3. deficiency
Noun
  • Nvidia has secured what could be a $500 billion memory supply agreement with SK Hynix, potentially alleviating a concern as the memory market faces a global shortage.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 27 July 2026
  • One big question, Chan said, is whether CXMT could help with the broader shortage.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 July 2026
Definition of shortage
Noun
  • As Jackson alluded to, the biggest change in practice – outside the lack of ones or sevens – was the flow.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
  • According to Lupo, Boise’s above-average traffic congestion, coupled with a lack of economic diversity, dragged Boise’s score down in this category.
    — Hali Smith July 30, Idaho Statesman, 30 July 2026
Definition of lack
Noun
  • The leaves were also quite yellow, which suggests a nutrient deficiency.
    — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 July 2026
  • Some capsules contain vitamin D3 for people who have a vitamin D deficiency, which can contribute to hair loss, according to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery.
    — Nicole Hernandez, USA Today, 24 July 2026
Definition of deficiency
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.

Browse Nearby Words

scantily
scantiness
scanting
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scantiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scantiness. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of spindrift

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Jul. 31

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All