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scarce

[skers]

scarce Definition

  • 1insufficient for the demand
  • 2rare, uncommon

Using scarce: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "scarce" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    Water is becoming scarce in many parts of the world.

  • Example

    During the war, food was scarce and expensive.

  • Example

    Scarce resources must be used wisely.

  • Example

    Scarce information is available on the topic.

scarce Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for scarce

Antonyms for scarce

Phrases with scarce

  • to leave quickly or suddenly, especially to avoid someone or something

    Example

    When he saw his ex-girlfriend at the party, he made himself scarce.

  • rare, uncommon

    Example

    Opportunities like this are few and far between.

  • scarce as hen's teeth

    extremely rare or nonexistent

    Example

    Good job opportunities in this area are as scarce as hen's teeth.

Origins of scarce

from Old Norman French 'escars', meaning 'restricted in quantity'

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Summary: scarce in Brief

'Scarce' [skers] means insufficient for the demand or rare and uncommon. It can refer to resources, information, or items that are hard to come by, as in 'Water is becoming scarce in many parts of the world.' 'Scarce' can also be used in idiomatic expressions such as 'make oneself scarce,' meaning to leave quickly or suddenly, and 'few and far between,' meaning rare or uncommon.

How do native speakers use this expression?