Scarce Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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scarce
[skɛəs ]
Definitions
in supply or availability
Insufficient for the demand; not plentiful or abundant; in short supply.
Synonyms
limited, meager, rare, sparse.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| scarce |
Describes something in short supply and difficult to find, often due to high demand or low availability.
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| limited |
Refers to a small quantity, amount, or scope. It implies restrictions or boundaries.
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| rare |
Describes something uncommon or hard to find, often implying special value or uniqueness.
|
| sparse |
Refers to something small in number and spread out, often creating an impression of emptiness.
|
| meager |
Indicates something small in amount, often implying that it is insufficient or inadequate. Carries a negative connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- There was a scarce amount of food left in the pantry.
- The water supply became scarce during the drought.
- The rare stamp was scarce and highly sought after by collectors.
in a limited or insufficient manner
In a manner that is lacking in quantity or quality.
Synonyms
meagerly, scantily, sparingly.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| scarce |
Used when something is in short supply or hard to find.
|
| sparingly |
Used to describe the use of something in restrained or limited amounts to avoid depletion.
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| scantily |
Used to describe something that is present only in small amounts, usually referring to clothing or coverage. Often has a negative or critical connotation.
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| meagerly |
Used to describe something provided or available in small or insufficient amounts, often implying inadequacy. Often has a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- They could barely find enough food to eat, so they lived scarce.
- The resources were distributed scarce among the refugees.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Economics
- Scarcity is a fundamental economic problem that arises because resources are limited while human wants are unlimited.
- It leads to the need for allocation, where societies must decide how to use their limited resources effectively.
- The concept is essential in understanding supply and demand in markets, affecting prices and availability.
Environmental Science
- The scarcity of resources like water and fossil fuels is a critical issue due to overconsumption and climate change.
- Efforts to manage resource scarcity include conservation strategies and the development of sustainable practices.
- Overpopulation can exacerbate scarcity issues, leading to increased competition for limited resources.
Cultural Perspectives
- Different cultures may value scarce resources uniquely; for example, some view certain spices as rare delicacies.
- In art, scarcity can lead to increased value; limited editions of paintings or collectibles often fetch higher prices.
- Scarcity can influence cultural narratives, such as stories about survival or the importance of sharing resources.
Psychology
- Scarcity can influence decision-making, leading people to overvalue things that are perceived as rare.
- The scarcity principle in psychology suggests that people are more likely to desire things that they believe are in short supply.
- This can be seen in marketing strategies, where limited-time offers create urgency and heightened interest.
Origin of 'scarce'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'scarce' comes from Middle English 'scars', which meant 'rare' or 'infrequent'.
- Its roots can be traced back to the Old French word 'escarz', which means 'sparse' or 'thin'.
- The concept of scarcity has been important in economics and was formally studied as early as the 18th century.
The word 'scarce' originated from the Old French word 'escars' meaning 'bare, barren'. Over time, it evolved to its current meaning of insufficiency or shortage. The concept of scarcity has been a fundamental aspect of economics and resource allocation throughout history.