Scarce

/skɛərs/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Insufficient to satisfy the need or demand; not abundant.

During the drought, water became scarce in the region.

Rare or hard to find.

Genuine antique furniture is often considered scarce in today's market.

Limited in availability.

The resources for the project were scarce, leading to delays in completion.

Middle English, from Old French 'escarc', from Latin 'excarcare' meaning to make scanty or to remove.

scarcity

the state of being scarce or in short supply

scarcity principle

the idea that items that are perceived as scarce have more value

scarce as hen's teeth

very rare or uncommon

scarcity

the condition of being scarce or in short supply

scarceness

the quality of being scarce

scarcity mindset

a mental frame that focuses on lack and limitations

out of stock

That new game is scarce; they're totally out of stock everywhere.

hard to find

Stylists say good vintage clothes are scarce these days.