as in shortage
a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number
the scarcity of good restaurants around here is surprising
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Recent Examples of scarcity
When the act of producing becomes abundant, its scarcity value falls.
—
Elton Chan,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
To add to the problem, ordinary Cubans face malnutrition due to scarcity and high food prices.
—
Sarah Moreno
july 1,
Miami Herald,
1 July 2026
The meticulous production cycle for Birkin bags, however, has contributed to their scarcity, and some critics have complained that the purses have been more readily available to existing, ultra-wealthy customers of the brand.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
30 June 2026
Driven by increasing concern over water scarcity and the potential for contamination, the city’s effort to protect its water has stretched for two years but has received scant attention around town.
—
Nick Bowlin,
ProPublica,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for scarcity
Elton Chan,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
To add to the problem, ordinary Cubans face malnutrition due to scarcity and high food prices.
—
Sarah Moreno
july 1,
Miami Herald,
1 July 2026
The meticulous production cycle for Birkin bags, however, has contributed to their scarcity, and some critics have complained that the purses have been more readily available to existing, ultra-wealthy customers of the brand.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
30 June 2026
Driven by increasing concern over water scarcity and the potential for contamination, the city’s effort to protect its water has stretched for two years but has received scant attention around town.
—
Nick Bowlin,
ProPublica,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for scarcity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scarcity
Noun
-
Despite the overwhelming demand for medical services and the shortage of supplies in Venezuela’s public health system, Domingo Luciani Hospital in the capital of Caracas coped with an influx of patients thanks to a flood of donations.
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With the rise in demand by retail users, compute providers are also facing significant shortages, raising their prices, and are rushing to develop more hardware.
Noun
-
Keli Gonzalez, a painter the museum commissioned, became frustrated by the lack of female representation.
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The lack of a World Cup title is the one gap on his historic résumé.
Cite this Entry
“Scarcity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scarcity. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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