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

60 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

In recent years, those opportunities have been relatively scarce.

The Washington Post

Immediate internet reports from disaster-hit regions were relatively scarce.

The Guardian - Tech

It covers 71 families, of which 28 are relatively scarce.

Britannica

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

The New York Times - Sports

Investigations of non-linear characteristics are still relatively scarce.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Internationally, comprehensive legislation for spring protection is still relatively scarce.

Science of The Total Environment

However, data for high-pressure systems is relatively scarce.

The Journal of Supercritical Fluids

As yet, empirical evidence from such approaches is relatively scarce.

Journal of Environmental Management

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "relatively scarce", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being compared to. For example, "Compared to other resources, water is relatively scarce in this desert region."

Common error

Avoid using "relatively scarce" when the item or resource is completely absent. "Relatively scarce" implies some presence, whereas 'nonexistent' or 'absent' indicates total lack.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively scarce" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it exists in a limited quantity or is not abundant when compared to something else. Ludwig provides examples across various contexts, demonstrating its versatile use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "relatively scarce" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote that something is not as abundant or common as expected or in comparison to something else. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase appears in a multitude of contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing. Understanding the context and comparative element is key to effectively employing this phrase. When writing, remember to avoid overstating the scarcity and ensure your language aligns with the actual degree of availability. Alternatives such as "comparatively rare" and "somewhat limited" can be used to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comparatively rare

Emphasizes rarity through comparison.

somewhat limited

Highlights the limited quantity or extent.

fairly infrequent

Focuses on the lack of frequent occurrence.

moderately uncommon

Indicates a departure from the ordinary but not extremely so.

rather sparse

Suggests a thinly distributed or meager presence.

slightly deficient

Emphasizes a lack or insufficiency in amount.

reasonably restricted

Implies limitations imposed on availability or access.

scarcely present

Highlights minimal or barely existing presence.

not abundant

Directly states the absence of plentifulness.

in limited supply

Focuses on the restricted availability of a resource or item.

FAQs

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

Use "relatively scarce" to indicate that something is not abundant compared to other similar things or what is expected. For example, "Clean water is "relatively scarce" in many developing countries."

What are some alternatives to "relatively scarce"?

You can use alternatives such as "comparatively rare", "somewhat limited", or "fairly infrequent" depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "relatively scarce" and "absolutely scarce"?

"Relatively scarce" implies a comparison and suggests that something is less abundant than something else. "Absolutely scarce" means there is very little or almost none of something. You might say, "Diamonds are "relatively scarce" compared to quartz" but "Unicorns are "absolutely scarce"".

Is it correct to say something is "relatively scarce"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is valid and provides numerous examples from reputable sources.