scant resource

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scant resource" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a limited or insufficient amount of resources available for a particular purpose. Example: "The project faced significant challenges due to the scant resources allocated for its completion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Scotland, however, should have learned long ago to make the best possible use of what scant resource it has available.

The Guardian - Sport

The board may have wasted everyone's time, the public's patience, the club's money and the court's resources, but accountability is a scant resource in this administration.

The Guardian - Sport

They have been dropping dead in the Navajo reservation in the Southwest, where neighbors are battling neighbors and livestock for water, an inherently scant resource on tribal land.

The New York Times

Dr Peter Carter, the RCN's chief executive, said the UK's entire care system was facing a "huge challenge" of maintaining standards despite "increased demand and scant resource".

Independent

Meanwhile, desperate peasants -- who include more than 220 squatters in two villages discovered in the last month in protected forest reserves north of here -- continue their search for land that is a scant resource in their homeland, the Peten region across the border.

The New York Times

These are toxic times, and gentle words and gentle knowings are a scant resource.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Their scant resources are a source of pride.

The New Yorker

The tension between scant resources and great need has taken an enormous toll, the lawsuit says.

The New York Times

Two hundred directors are competing for scant resources, and I am in a position to look elsewhere.

The Guardian - Film

It is plain that all the family's scant resources are devoted to looking after him.

The Guardian

The family's scant resources are devoted to looking after him.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing budget constraints or limited availability, use "scant resource" to emphasize the inadequacy of what's available. For example: "The project suffered from a "scant resource" allocation."

Common error

Avoid using "scant resource" when you mean to simply state that resources are present but limited. "Scant" implies a severe shortage, not just a moderate one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scant resource" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "scant" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "resource". It describes a situation where the availability of a particular resource is limited or insufficient. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "scant resource" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes a situation where a particular resource is limited or inadequate. As highlighted by Ludwig, the phrase is more commonly encountered in news and media contexts, reflecting its descriptive and somewhat formal tone. While synonymous with alternatives such as "limited resource" or "scarce resource", it carries a stronger connotation of inadequacy. When using this phrase, ensure the context accurately reflects a severe shortage rather than a moderate limitation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited resource

Replaces "scant" with "limited", emphasizing restriction.

scarce resource

Substitutes "scant" with "scarce", highlighting rarity.

meager resource

Replaces "scant" with "meager", suggesting inadequacy.

deficient resource

Changes "scant" to "deficient", focusing on the lack of something necessary.

inadequate resource

Replaces "scant" with "inadequate", indicating insufficiency.

sparse resource

Substitutes "scant" with "sparse", emphasizing the thinly distributed nature.

restricted resource

Replaces "scant" with "restricted", highlighting limitations imposed on the resource.

minimal resource

Changes "scant" to "minimal", focusing on the extremely small quantity.

paltry resource

Substitutes "scant" with "paltry", emphasizing the insignificance of the resource.

insufficient resource

Replaces "scant" with "insufficient", indicating it's not enough.

FAQs

How can I use "scant resource" in a sentence?

You can use "scant resource" to describe situations where there is a limited or insufficient amount of resources. For example: "The hospital was struggling with "limited resources", making it difficult to provide adequate care".

What's the difference between "scant resource" and "scarce resource"?

"Scant resource" and "scarce resource" are very similar, both indicating a lack of availability. "Scant" emphasizes inadequacy, while "scarce" emphasizes rarity. They can often be used interchangeably.

What can I say instead of "scant resource"?

You can use alternatives like "limited resource", "inadequate resource", or "meager resource" depending on the context.

Is "scant resources" grammatically correct?

Yes, "scant resources" is grammatically correct and is used when referring to multiple limited resources. "Scant resource" is used for a singular resource.