noun Uncommon

scarcity

SKEH-uh-sih-tee

Scarcity (noun) means a shortage; the state of not having enough of something. Example: “The scarcity of housing pushed rents higher.”

noun

A shortage; the state of not having enough of something.

"The scarcity of housing pushed rents higher."

"Economists study how scarcity affects prices."

How to use scarcity

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishNot having enough of something to go around.

Easily confused with

shortage →

Common pairings

scarcity of resources water scarcity in times of scarcity

Word forms

scarcities plural

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The _____ of housing pushed rents higher.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English scarsite, from Old Northern French escarsete; by surface analysis, scarce + -ity.

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

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rareness rarity deficiency lack infrequency penury want

Antonyms

frequency commonness abundance copiousness

Related words

want always lot hope period include miss wish

Rhymes for scarcity

city pity deity acuity parity entity brevity opacity paucity ability quality reality

See all rhymes for 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.

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want always lot hope period include miss wish