scarcity

noun

ˈsker-sə-tē How to pronounce scarcity (audio)
Definition of scarcitynext
as in shortage
a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number the scarcity of good restaurants around here is surprising

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of scarcity The August article argued that the lock-up would test scarcity. — Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026 Given the scarcity of 70mm auditoriums, many of those locations are sold out through September. — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 9 Aug. 2026 In regions already facing water scarcity, the consequences can be severe. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 7 Aug. 2026 The original Miura became an icon through equal parts engineering brilliance and scarcity. — New Atlas, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scarcity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scarcity
  1. shortage
  2. lack
Noun
  • The audit found the programme was already six to 12 months behind schedule because of construction delays and shortages of key components.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Democratic senators demanded answers about conditions on the ship after reports of broken plumbing, food shortages, and mental health crisis.
    — Michelle Richardson, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of shortage
Noun
  • Constant said failure to appear charges, often due to the bus being late, a lack of childcare or permission to take the day off from work, are driving Connecticut’s pretrial population.
    — Kaitlin McCallum, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The main reason China has been able to play this role is Washington’s lack of follow-up on sanctions, according to energy analyst Kjell Eikland, director of Eikland Energy AS.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of lack

Browse Nearby Words

scarcities
scarcity
scare
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Cite this Entry

“Scarcity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scarcity. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on scarcity

Nglish: Translation of scarcity for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about scarcity

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