acute scarcity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acute scarcity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a severe or intense shortage of resources, goods, or services. Example: "The region is facing an acute scarcity of clean drinking water, leading to health crises among the population."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The most arid counties would be targeted first, to relieve the acute scarcity of water that many people face.

The Guardian

"Undeclared power cuts in the name of transformer repair and an acute scarcity of drinking water" has added to the people's distress, the Web Site reported.

The New York Times

The onset of a decline would be far distant in an industry or economy possessed of a high level of technical knowledge but starting near the bottom of the accumulation ladder and affected by an acute scarcity of capital instruments.

Britannica

The need to reduce emissions, an acute scarcity of land for roads and parking, and the prospect of laws restricting conventional cars all point to the idea that different and smaller types of vehicle will be in demand.

The Economist

However, with an increase in demand of the land for infrastructure development (for residential, commercial and strategic facilities), for which their stabilization may be essential, and a need to utilize these (aeolian) sands as a construction material, particularly due to acute scarcity of sand, their complete characterization becomes essential.

Engineering Geology

What should be an abundance of data becomes an acute scarcity of actionable business insights within a linear framework.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

This month's protests began as a student march against violent crime in Tachira but have expanded to encompass the opposition's discontent with sky-high inflation, acute scarcities of food and the weak economy.

Los Angeles Times

Despite the galloping devaluation of bolivars on the unofficial market, the Venezuelan government is reluctant to officially devalue the currency ahead of Dec. 8 local elections because of the high short-term inflation such a move could produce, which could exacerbate already acute scarcities.

Los Angeles Times

Acute water scarcity, a significant loss of biodiversity and more urban pollution seem inevitable.

The New York Times - Science

The world now has a real prospect to grow sustainably and eliminate acute food scarcity in the next generation.

Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment

In the context of a world that is struggling with acute water scarcity in some areas, there are serious questions to be answered about our role as stewards of the Earth.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "acute scarcity", ensure the context clearly establishes what resource or commodity is severely lacking. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "acute scarcity" to describe minor inconveniences or easily remedied shortages. Reserve it for situations where the lack is truly severe and has significant consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acute scarcity" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "acute" modifies the noun "scarcity". As supported by Ludwig AI, this combination describes a severe or critical lack of something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

53%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "acute scarcity" is used to describe a severe and pressing lack of something, often resources. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in formal writing. While "acute scarcity" is most frequently found in scientific and news contexts, it is important to use it accurately, reserving it for situations with genuinely significant shortages. Alternative phrases such as "severe shortage" or "critical deficit" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey. Remember to avoid using "acute scarcity" in situations that are only mildly inconvenient.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extreme shortage

Similar to "acute scarcity" but emphasizes the extremity of the situation.

severe shortage

Focuses more on the insufficiency of supply.

critical deficit

Emphasizes the gap between what is needed and what is available.

dire lack

Highlights the urgent and negative consequences of the scarcity.

serious deficiency

Emphasizes the inadequacy of something.

intense dearth

Uses a less common word ("dearth") to convey a strong sense of scarcity.

urgent shortfall

Highlights the immediate need to address the scarcity.

grave insufficiency

Highlights the seriousness of the scarcity.

pressing need

Shifts the focus to the urgency created by the scarcity.

pronounced absence

Focuses on the clear and noticeable lack of something.

FAQs

What does "acute scarcity" mean?

"Acute scarcity" refers to a severe and urgent lack or shortage of something, such as resources, goods, or services.

How can I use "acute scarcity" in a sentence?

You can use "acute scarcity" to describe situations like: "The region is experiencing an "acute scarcity" of clean water" or "The hospital is facing an "acute scarcity" of medical supplies".

What are some alternatives to "acute scarcity"?

Alternatives include "severe shortage", "critical deficit", or "dire lack", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "acute scarcity" in formal writing?

Yes, "acute scarcity" is appropriate for formal writing. Its use indicates a serious situation and is often found in news reports, scientific articles, and business documents.