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 Three of the Florida Keys’ most famous luxury resorts have changed hands in just three months, drawing nearly half a billion dollars from investors betting on a market defined by scarcity. — Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026 In the last few years, multiple studies have shown that global warming is intensifying drought and worsening water scarcity in California and the Western United States. — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 The Financial Times has argued that the astronomical prices of top modernist paintings are less about intrinsic artistic value than wealth, scarcity, and the concentration of buying power among billionaires. — George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 25 Aug. 2026 The relationships nurtured by gift thinking diminish our sense of scarcity and want. — CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scarcity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scarcity
  1. shortage
  2. lack
Noun
  • Due to brass shortages, some knives had to be made with wooden handles, out of compressed leather washers, or bakelite plastic.
    — David Szondy August 30, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Some allege that the government has engineered fuel shortages to make an agreement unavoidable, others go further, accusing moderates of staging a coup.
    — Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of shortage
Noun
  • This pilot is meant to address a gap the district saw in a lack of specialized personnel to provide prevention education, community engagement and intervention protocols for students using substances.
    — Morgan Matzen, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 3 Sep. 2026
  • As a result, Japan finds itself in a precarious position, caught between a lack of locals to fill roles in the workforce and a distrust of immigrants who can provide labor.
    — Christine Miyawaki, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 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 5 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on scarcity

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about scarcity

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