Escasa (en. Scarce)

/es'kasa/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish
adjective
That is insufficient in quantity or number.
The food was scarce for all the guests.
La comida era escasa para todos los invitados.
That occurs or is found infrequently.
The rain was scarce throughout the summer.
La lluvia fue escasa durante todo el verano.
That is not abundant or does not fully satisfy.
Economic resources are scarce in this region.
Los recursos económicos son escasos en esta región.

Etymology

From Latin 'excasus', meaning 'to take away' or 'to leave without' what was abundant.

Common Phrases and Expressions

scarce quantity
Small amount of something.
escasa cantidad
if it is scarce
It can refer to something that is not enough or does not meet expectations.
si es escasa
scarce attention
When someone does not receive enough attention or care.
escasa atención

Related Words

scarcity
Lack or insufficiency of something.
escasez
scant
Adjective that describes something with a small amount or frequency.
escaso
poverty
State of having little money or resources.
pobreza

Slang Meanings

Few things or resources in an informal context.
At the party, there were scarce things, there weren't even drinks.
En la fiesta había cosas escasas, ni bebidas había.
Referring to an event that did not meet expectations due to low participation.
The meeting was scarce, hardly three people attended.
La reunión fue escasa, apenas asistieron tres personas.