scarcity

Scarcity is defined as a state of something being in short supply.

(noun)

An example of scarcity is when there is only a tiny amount of a crop produced because of drought and there is not enough to feed the whole town.

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See scarcity in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun pl. scarcities

  1. the condition or quality of being scarce; inadequate supply; dearth
  2. rarity; uncommonness

Origin: ME scarsite < NormFr escarseté

See scarcity in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. scar·ci·ties
  1. Insufficiency of amount or supply; shortage: a scarcity of food that was caused by drought.
  2. Rarity of appearance or occurrence: antiques that are valued for their scarcity.

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