scarce

UK: skeəs | US: skers

Definition

  1. adj. insufficient in quantity; not enough to meet demand

  2. adj. rarely found or occurring; uncommon

Structure
scarc <to restrict>scarc <to restrict>
Etymology

The word "scarce" traces back to the Old French eschars, reflecting a sense of restriction or吝啬. Its Vulgar Latin root excarpsus ("plucked out") suggests something selectively removed, leading to the modern meaning of limited availability. Over time, the term shifted from describing吝啬ness to denoting general scarcity or rarity.

Examples

  1. Fresh water became scarce during the drought.

  2. Jobs were scarce after the economic crisis.

  3. This rare mineral is scarce in nature.

  4. Opportunities like this are scarce, so act now.

  5. In winter, sunlight is scarce in northern regions.