scarcity — the state of being scarce or in short supply; shortage
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the state of being scarce or in short supply; shortage
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈskersəti/
Example Sentences
- The scarcity of parking spaces downtown makes my car feel like a homeless person.
- Due to the scarcity of skilled workers, companies are offering higher wages.
- The scarcity of good Netflix shows forces me to rewatch The Office for the 50th time.
scarcity
NOUN[/ˈskersəti/]
the state of being scarce or in short supply; shortage
Villagers line up to collect water from a nearly empty well during a time of scarcity.
Food scarcity became a major issue after the long drought. (SHORTAGE + LIMITED SUPPLY = SCARCITY)
When water is scarce, even one bottle becomes a necessity.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old French 'scarce' (meaning barely sufficient or in short supply), which likely derives from Vulgar Latin 'excarpsus' (picked out, selected), combined with the English suffix '-ity' (denoting a state or condition).
Breakdown
scarce (barely sufficient) + -ity (state or condition) = scarcity
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The scarcity of parking spaces downtown makes my car feel like a homeless person.”
“Due to the scarcity of skilled workers, companies are offering higher wages.”
“The scarcity of good Netflix shows forces me to rewatch The Office for the 50th time.”
“Climate change has increased the scarcity of fresh water in many regions.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.