Scarce Meaning

Scarce

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. Insufficient in quantity or number compared to demand.
2. Rare or hard to find, often used in reference to resources, goods, or conditions.
3. Limited in availability, often creating a situation where something is in short supply.
4. Describing something that is difficult to obtain or is present in very small amounts.

History and Origin

The word “scarce” comes from the Middle English scarse, which was derived from the Old French escarz or esker, meaning “insufficient” or “rare.” Its root is traced back to the Latin word excare, which means “to lack” or “to be deficient.” The term has been used for centuries to describe a shortage or rarity of things, particularly in relation to food, water, or essential resources.

Detailed Explanation

“Scarce” refers to something that is in limited supply or is difficult to find. When resources, goods, or conditions are scarce, it means there is not enough of them to meet the demand, creating a shortage. This word is often used to describe essential items, such as food, water, or money, in situations where they are not readily available or are hard to come by. Scarcity can arise from a variety of causes, including natural events, economic conditions, or even human-made factors. The scarcity of something valuable often leads to increased demand, making it more expensive or highly sought after.

In a more figurative sense, “scarce” can describe any situation where something is rare or hard to find, not necessarily related to physical objects or resources.

Example Sentences

1. Clean water is becoming scarce in many parts of the world.
2. The rare stamps were so scarce that collectors were willing to pay top dollar for them.
3. The scarcity of food during the drought led to widespread famine.
4. Opportunities for advancement in the company were scarce, making it difficult for employees to move up.
5. The book you’re looking for is scarce in libraries, but it can be found online.
6. Fresh vegetables were scarce at the market due to the heavy rains.
7. Time was scarce, and they had to finish the project within the next 24 hours.
8. Resources for the expedition were scarce, so the team had to be resourceful.
9. Job openings in the small town were scarce, causing many to move away in search of work.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Limited – Restricted in quantity or availability, often used in reference to something scarce.
2. Rare – Uncommon or infrequent, suggesting that something is scarce.
3. Shortage – A lack or deficiency of something, often implying scarcity.
4. Deficient – Lacking something that is needed, similar to being scarce.
5. Sparse – Thinly dispersed or scattered, often used to describe something that is scarce in abundance.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Absence – The state of being missing or unavailable, which often indicates scarcity.
2. Deprivation – The lack of essential resources or comforts, often resulting from scarcity.
3. Famine – A severe shortage of food, often due to scarcity of resources.
4. Paucity – A small or insufficient quantity of something, similar to scarcity.
5. Inadequacy – The state of being insufficient or not enough, often due to scarcity.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Scant – Limited or barely sufficient in amount or degree, similar to scarce.
2. Insufficient – Not enough to meet the demand, often describing scarcity.
3. Meager – Lacking in quantity or quality, often due to scarcity.
4. Exclusive – Limited or rare, often describing something scarce or difficult to obtain.
5. Infrequent – Occurring rarely or irregularly, similar to something scarce.

Antonyms

1. Abundant
2. Plentiful
3. Copious
4. Ample
5. Overflowing