Synonyms for

Scarcity

Verb / ˈskersɪti: / Another word for scarcity — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Scarcity means a lack of something or not enough of something.

Synonyms & similar words

scarceness abundance shortage dearth lack insufficiency deficit paucity want inadequacy privation undersupply absence unavailability rarity scantiness sparsity poverty penury hardship difficulty struggle

Synonyms by register

Formal

shortage dearth insufficiency inadequacy

Informal

lack not enough tightness

Literary

penury paucity

Antonyms

abundance plenty profusion surplus wealth bounty copiousness

Common collocations

  • severe scarcity
  • economic scarcity
  • food scarcity
  • water scarcity
  • resource scarcity
  • scarcity of resources
  • scarcity of time

Word family

noun scarcity
adjective scarce

Usage note

Scarcity refers to a situation where there is not enough of something. It is often used in economic contexts but can apply to any limited resource.

Example sentences

  1. The scarcity of food made it hard to survive.
  2. The scarcity of trees made the forest vulnerable to erosion.
  3. The scarcity of jobs made it hard to find work.
  4. The scarcity of resources made it difficult to complete the project.
  5. The scarcity of time made it hard to finish the assignment.

Quotes

  • “Scarcity is the mother of invention.” - Plato
  • “Scarcity of material resources can be a blessing if it encourages spiritual resourcefulness.” - Sogyal Rinpoche
  • “Scarcity of resources is no longer an excuse for doing nothing.” - Sonia Sotomayor

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words