Another Word For Scarce

Meaning

The word scarce refers to a situation where something is insufficient or in short supply. It describes a condition in which the quantity of something available does not meet the demand for it. When resources, goods, or anything else are scarce, they are limited in availability, making them hard to find or obtain.

Synonyms

• Rare
• Infrequent
• Limited
• Hard to find
• Sparse
• Scant

Antonyms

• Abundant
• Plentiful
• Ample
• Sufficient
• Common
• Widespread

Etymology

The word "scarce" originates from the Middle English term "scars," which evolved from the Old French "escarc," meaning "thin" or "meager." Its roots can be traced back to the Latin word "sacer," which means "sacred" or "holy," but in the sense of scarcity, it connects loosely to the idea of something being rare or precious.

Examples

1. Water can be scarce in desert regions, making conservation efforts crucial.
2. The rare bird species is now considered scarce due to habitat loss.
3. During times of economic hardship, jobs may become scarce, leading to increased competition.
4. The library had a scarce collection of rare manuscripts that attracted scholars from all over.
5. With the recent drought, food supplies have become scarce in the affected areas.