Definitions and Examples of scarce, meager, sparse
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Insufficient or inadequate in amount or quantity; hard to find or obtain.
Example
During the drought, water became scarce and people had to ration their usage.
Lacking in quantity, quality, or substance; inadequate or minimal.
Example
The company's profits were meager this quarter, and they had to cut back on expenses.
Thinly dispersed or scattered; not dense or crowded.
Example
The forest was sparse with trees, and it was easy to see far into the distance.
Key Differences: scarce vs meager vs sparse
- 1Scarce implies a severe shortage or lack of something, while meager suggests a small or inadequate amount.
- 2Sparse describes something that is thinly dispersed or scattered, while plentiful suggests an abundance or excess.
Effective Usage of scarce, meager, sparse
- 1Discuss Resources: Use scarce and meager to describe limited resources, such as food, water, or money.
- 2Describe Environments: Use sparse to describe environments with few trees, plants, or people.
- 3Express Gratitude: Use plentiful to express gratitude for an abundance of something, such as food, opportunities, or resources.
Remember this!
The antonyms have distinct nuances: Scarce implies a severe shortage, meager suggests a small amount, sparse describes something thinly dispersed, while plentiful suggests an abundance. Use these words to discuss resources, describe environments, and express gratitude for abundance.
