Relatively scarce

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Relatively scarce" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not abundant or is limited in quantity compared to other things. Example: "In this region, water resources are relatively scarce, making conservation efforts essential."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And electricity is relatively scarce.

The New Yorker

Rentals, too, are relatively scarce.

The New York Times

Certainly, CCC and CSR reporting is still relatively scarce.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There is television coverage, but news accounts remain relatively scarce.

The New York Times - Sports

Though ours was hardly a chaste relationship, real intimacy was relatively scarce.

The New Yorker

Literary alt-history is still relatively scarce, but it has begun a noticeable expansion.

The New Yorker

Tourists, especially free-spending ones loved by the big department stores, remained relatively scarce.

The New York Times

Shapiro takes Cardiff's (currently relatively scarce) wins with a hint of jubilation.

The Guardian - Sport

That means homes are relatively scarce and the market has built-in limits, driving up prices.

The New York Times

Among other problems, irrigation — which was key to the Green Revolution — is relatively scarce in Africa.

The New York Times

But with the country still mired in a depression, such investors are relatively scarce.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "relatively scarce", ensure you provide context to what the subject is scarce in relation to. This adds clarity and strengthens your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "relatively scarce" when the subject is virtually nonexistent. "Relatively scarce" suggests there is some presence, albeit limited.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively scarce" functions as an adjectival modifier, describing a noun by indicating that it exists in limited quantity compared to something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to express that something is not abundant or is limited in quantity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "relatively scarce" is a common and versatile phrase used to describe something that is not abundant or plentiful compared to a particular benchmark. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is suitable for describing something that is not abundant or is limited in quantity. It frequently appears in news, scientific and encyclopedia contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using "relatively scarce", provide a clear context for the comparison to enhance understanding. While there are many alternative phrases, they each carry slightly different nuances, so consider the specific context when choosing a substitute.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Somewhat limited

Emphasizes a degree of limitation, suggesting that something is not abundant.

Fairly rare

Highlights the infrequency of occurrence or existence.

Comparatively uncommon

Indicates that something is less common when compared to other things.

Moderately deficient

Suggests a lack or shortage to a certain extent.

Slightly insufficient

Implies that something is not quite enough or adequate.

Relatively limited in quantity

Explicitly states the restriction in the amount available.

Not particularly abundant

Focuses on the lack of abundance or plentifulness.

In somewhat short supply

Highlights the limited availability of something.

To a limited extent

Suggests scarcity is only observable in a certain context or to a specific degree.

Not overly plentiful

Indicates an absence of abundance.

FAQs

How can I use "Relatively scarce" in a sentence?

You can use "relatively scarce" to describe resources, data, or opportunities that are not abundant. For example, "In this region, water resources are "relatively scarce", making conservation efforts essential."

What are some alternatives to using "Relatively scarce"?

You can use alternatives like "somewhat limited", "fairly rare", or "comparatively uncommon" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "relatively scarce" or "very scarce"?

The choice depends on the degree of scarcity. "Relatively scarce" implies a limited quantity compared to expectations, while "very scarce" suggests an extremely limited quantity. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the degree of scarcity you want to convey.

In what situations is "relatively scarce" most appropriately used?

"Relatively scarce" is best used when comparing the availability of something to a norm or expectation. For instance, "Data on this topic are "relatively scarce" compared to other areas of research."