scarce
word
Definition
If something is scarce, there is not enough of it available; it is hard to find or obtain.
Usage & Nuances
'Scarce' is more formal and commonly used in written or academic English. Typical phrases: 'water is scarce', 'resources are scarce', or 'make oneself scarce' (to leave quickly). Not used for people, only for things, resources, or time.
Spanish: escaso - poco disponiblePortuguese (BR): escasso - raroPortuguese (PT): escasso - raroChinese (Simplified): 稀少 - 缺乏Chinese (Traditional): 稀少 - 缺乏Hindi: दुर्लभ - कम उपलब्धArabic: نادر - شحيحBengali: দুর্লভ - সংকটপূর্ণRussian: дефицитный - редкий (о вещах)Japanese: 乏しい - 少ないVietnamese: khan hiếmKorean: 희귀한 - 부족한Turkish: kıt - nadirUrdu: قلیل - نایابIndonesian: langka - jarang
Example Sentences
Clean water is scarce in the desert.
basic
Jobs are scarce during a recession.
basic
Food can become scarce after a natural disaster.
basic
Affordable housing is scarce in big cities these days.
natural
During the drought, fresh vegetables were scarce at the market.
natural
You'll need to make yourself scarce if you want to avoid that meeting.
natural