Synonyms of scarcity

scarcity

noun

ˈsker-sə-tē 

as in shortage

a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number

the scarcity of good restaurants around here is surprising

Synonyms & Similar Words

• shortage
• lack
• deficiency
• paucity
• deficit
• drought
• famine
• poverty
• inadequacy
• absence
• dearth
• insufficiency
• drouth
• undersupply
• scarceness
• crunch
• scantiness
• lacuna
• failure
• inadequateness
• pinch
• omission
• necessity
• want
• privation
• meagerness
• skimpiness
• need
• poorness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• abundance
• wealth
• sufficiency
• adequacy
• plenty
• amplitude
• opulence
• plenitude
• surplus
• excess
• overabundance
• oversupply
• surfeit
• copiousness
• bountifulness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of scarcity

Chicago Cubs in Tokyo: High prices — and firm resale laws — don’t stop fans’ once-in-a-lifetime experience The scarcity of inventory — and firm resale laws in Japan — caused any secondary tickets to skyrocket for the Chicago Cubs’ Tokyo Series games. —David Brandt, Chicago Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025

The big picture: Egg prices have skyrocketed and could rise more this year as the bird flu and other factors cause scarcity nationwide. —Nathan Bomey, Axios, 17 Mar. 2025

California is also doing its part to contribute to egg scarcity. —Will Swaim, National Review, 18 Mar. 2025

My final eggless contribution is this sassy chocolate acorn squash mousse for an elegant and easy treat that’s suitable (and delightful) for both Passover, Easter, along with our sad period of egg scarcity and beyond. —Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025