C1nounformalenvironment
US/ˈsker.sə.ti/
UK/ˈskeə.sə.ti/
a situation in which there is not enough of something that people need
In context
Water scarcity is getting worse in the Central Highlands during the dry season.
The scarcity of chips slowed car production around the world.
Prices rose sharply because of the scarcity of fresh vegetables after the flood.
Words that go with scarcity
noun + noun
- water scarcityWater scarcity could affect half the world's population by 2050.
- resource scarcityResource scarcity may lead to conflicts between nations.
- food scarcityDrought has brought food scarcity to the region.
noun + preposition
- scarcity ofThere is a scarcity of skilled workers in the industry.
adjective + noun
- relative scarcityThe relative scarcity of land keeps house prices high.