# scarcity

/ˈskɛɹsɪti/ (US) · /skˈeəsɪti/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/scarcity
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. the state of being rare

noun · CEFR B2 · Academic

the general state of not having enough of something.

For teachers: the abstract condition of being scarce or deficient in supply. Uncountable in this sense.

- The scarcity of clean water is a major problem in many parts of the world.
- Economists often define their field as the study of how society manages its resources in the face of absolute scarcity.

### 2. a specific shortage

noun · CEFR B2

a specific time or situation when there is not enough of a particular thing.

For teachers: a specific instance or period of inadequate supply. Countable in this sense.

- Food scarcities during the war led to strict rationing for every family.
- The sudden scarcity of semiconductor chips forced several major car manufacturers to halt production for months.

## Examples

- The scarcity of fresh water is a major problem in the desert.
- During the drought, the scarcity of local produce caused prices at the market to double within a week.
- Economists argue that scarcity is the primary driver of value, as the rarity of a commodity relative to human desire necessitates a system of allocation through pricing.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.