scarcity Meaning, Definition & Usage

Scarce"ness, Scar"ci*ty noun (Also<

• Scarceness
• Scarcity

)

Definitions

1. The quality or condition of being scarce; smallness of quantity in proportion to the wants or demands; deficiency; lack of plenty; short supply; penury; as, a scarcity of grain; a great scarcity of beauties. Chaucer.

   A scarcity of snow would raise a mutiny at Naples. Addison.

   Praise . . . owes its value to its scarcity. Rambler.

   The value of an advantage is enhanced by its scarceness. Collier.

   Syn. -- Deficiency; lack; want; penury; dearth; rareness; rarity; infrequency.