less scarce

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less scarce" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the availability or abundance of something, indicating that it is more plentiful than before. Example: "With the new production methods, the resources have become less scarce, allowing for wider distribution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Things were actually getting less scarce as population grew.

The New York Times - Magazine

As my employer's computers became less scarce, my I.B.M. PC began gathering dust.

The New York Times - Tech

Another challenge for cable is that the supply of commercial time is less scarce than at the broadcast networks.

The New York Times

Over the decades, as computers have become less scarce, they have been put to less and less valuable use.

MIT Technology Review

Bread is much less valuable only because it is much less scarce, and the buyers of bread possess enough to satisfy their most pressing need for it.

Britannica

During World War II, faced with reduced foreign rice supplies, Senanayake opened new trade with Egypt and Brazil and increased imports of less scarce wheat flour tenfold.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Recently (2012), the EOS Energy company began its mission to employ zinc air batteries for grid storage, believing in their potentialities over other types of batteries where less safe, scarce and expensive materials, such as lithium, are employed [21].

Materials for Renewable and Sustainable Energy

However, increased costly marketing and a drive for autologous blood for example, could allow the supply to become less absolutely scarce.

BMC Medical Ethics

Reservations must be made by telephone, and are scarce less than about four weeks in advance.

The New York Times - Travel

In cities where real estate is scarce, "less is more" is the only way to go.

The New York Times

CAYUGA FLORA (1926) NOTES: Dry cliffs and talus of ravines and on steep banks in the less acid soils ; scarce.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less scarce" to indicate a relative change in availability, often due to increased production, discovery, or improved distribution methods.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "less scarce" can sometimes sound awkward in formal contexts. Opt for more direct alternatives like "more abundant" or "more available" for clearer and more impactful writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less scarce" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating a reduction in scarcity. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less scarce" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that indicates a reduction in scarcity. According to Ludwig AI, it is often used to describe resources or items that have become more readily available due to increased production, discovery, or improved distribution. While correct, it can be replaced by alternatives like ""more abundant"" or "more readily available" depending on the context. It's important to note that the phrase conveys a relative change in availability, rather than a complete absence of scarcity. Its register is neutral, making it suitable for a wide array of communication styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more abundant

Replaces "scarce" with its opposite, indicating a greater quantity.

more plentiful

Similar to "more abundant", suggesting a greater supply.

more readily available

Focuses on the ease of access rather than the quantity.

in greater supply

Highlights the increased availability of something.

more common

Indicates that something is encountered more frequently.

more widespread

Suggests a broader distribution or prevalence.

increasingly accessible

Emphasizes the growing ease of obtaining something.

becoming more available

Highlights the ongoing process of increased availability.

less limited

Focuses on the reduction of restrictions or limitations.

no longer rare

Emphasizes the shift from rarity to a more common state.

FAQs

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

You can use "less scarce" to describe resources or items that were once limited but have become more readily available. For example: "With advancements in technology, clean energy sources are becoming "more abundant" and "less scarce".

What's a more formal alternative to "less scarce"?

In formal writing, consider using phrases such as "more readily available" or "in greater supply" as alternatives to "less scarce".

Is it correct to say something is "less scarce" than something else?

Yes, you can use "less scarce" in comparisons. For example: "Due to increased agricultural production, wheat is now "less scarce" than it was last year".

What is the difference between "less scarce" and "not scarce"?

"Less scarce" implies that something is still somewhat limited but more available than before. "Not scarce" suggests abundance or that the limitation has been completely removed. They are not perfectly interchangeable, as "less scarce" indicates a relative improvement, while "not scarce" indicates the absence of scarcity.