scarcity
8 synonyms and 4 antonyms for scarcity, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A shortage; the state of not having enough of something.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use scarcity
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
scarcity of resources
water scarcity
in times of scarcity
Etymology
Inherited from Middle English scarsite, from Old Northern French escarsete; by surface analysis, scarce + -ity.
Full origin of scarcity →Frequently asked questions
What does “scarcity” mean?
The word “scarcity” means a shortage; the state of not having enough of something. In plain terms, not having enough of something to go around.
How do you pronounce “scarcity”?
“Scarcity” is pronounced SKEH-uh-sih-tee (/ˈskɛɹsɪti/ in IPA).
How do you use “scarcity” in a sentence?
Here is “scarcity” used in a sentence: “The scarcity of housing pushed rents higher.”
What is another word for “scarcity”?
Words with a similar meaning to “scarcity” include rareness, rarity, deficiency, lack, infrequency and penury.
What is the opposite of “scarcity”?
The opposite of “scarcity” — its antonyms — are frequency, commonness, abundance and copiousness.
What part of speech is “scarcity”?
“Scarcity” is a noun.
Is “scarcity” a common word?
“Scarcity” is an uncommon word in modern English.
