Scarce: meaning, definitions and examples

Describes something in short supply and difficult to find, often due to high demand or low availability.

• Fresh water can be scarce in deserts
• Jobs were scarce during the economic downturn

Refers to a small quantity, amount, or scope. It implies restrictions or boundaries.

• There are limited seats available for the concert
• Our company has a limited budget for new projects

Describes something uncommon or hard to find, often implying special value or uniqueness.

• It's rare to see such a beautiful sunset
• This is a rare vintage wine

Refers to something small in number and spread out, often creating an impression of emptiness.

• The furniture in the room was sparse
• Vegetation is sparse in the Arctic tundra

Indicates something small in amount, often implying that it is insufficient or inadequate. Carries a negative connotation.

• The food portions were meager at the restaurant
• He received a meager salary for his hard work

Used when something is in short supply or hard to find.

• Water is scarce in the desert
• Good jobs are scarce in this small town

Used to describe the use of something in restrained or limited amounts to avoid depletion.

• Please use the paint sparingly to make it last
• He speaks sparingly about his personal life

Used to describe something that is present only in small amounts, usually referring to clothing or coverage. Often has a negative or critical connotation.

• The model was dressed scantily for the photo shoot
• The book contains only scantily detailed descriptions

Used to describe something provided or available in small or insufficient amounts, often implying inadequacy. Often has a negative connotation.

• The family survived meagerly on their small income
• Despite his hard work, he was only paid meagerly