scarce resource

USAGE SUMMARY

'scarce resource' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a limited or scarce item of utility or economic value. For example: "When it comes to adequate healthcare, many communities are grappling with the challenge of providing access to a scarce resource."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Wood was a scarce resource.

The New York Times

Even chalk is a scarce resource.

The New York Times

"Social housing is a scarce resource.

The Guardian

In fact, it's an increasingly scarce resource.

The Guardian

Energy is a scarce resource on the far shore.

The Guardian

"But they're a very inefficient use of a scarce resource.

The New York Times

Dedicated and effective activists are a scarce resource.

The Guardian

For these people, water is a scarce resource.

The Guardian

"But barter helps you conserve that scarce resource".

The New York Times

"That's the scarce resource in the N.B.A.," he says.

The New York Times - Magazine

This very scarce resource is in high demand.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing economic policy, clearly define which "scarce resource" you are referring to (e.g., time, capital, skilled labor) to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "scarce resource" as a blanket statement without specifying the resource. For example, instead of saying "Innovation is key due to scarce resources", specify which resources are scarce: "Innovation is key due to the scarcity of funding and skilled personnel."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scarce resource" functions as a noun phrase, where "scarce" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "resource". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It is commonly used to identify and emphasize the limited availability of a particular commodity or asset.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scarce resource" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to denote a valuable commodity with limited availability. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that this phrase is commonly employed in contexts such as news, science, and business, reflecting its relevance across various domains. The phrase's function is to emphasize the need for careful management or allocation. To ensure clarity, specify the resource in question, and avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives include "limited quantity" and "rare asset". With its frequent use in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, mastering the use of "scarce resource" will enhance your communication across a wide range of topics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited commodity

Replaces "resource" with "commodity" emphasizing the economic aspect of scarcity.

rare asset

Substitutes "scarce" with "rare" and "resource" with "asset", highlighting its value and infrequency.

limited quantity

Focuses on the limited amount or volume of something available.

precious commodity

Emphasizes the high value and importance of the resource, making it "precious".

in short supply

A more general phrase indicating that something is not readily available.

deficient asset

Highlights the inadequacy or insufficiency of the asset.

dwindling reserve

Suggests that the resource is becoming less available over time.

limited stock

Focuses on the limited inventory or supply of the resource.

restricted supply

Indicates that the availability of the resource is intentionally limited.

meager provision

Implies that the resource is not only scarce but also insufficient.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "scarce resource" in a sentence?

The phrase "scarce resource" is used to describe something valuable that is limited in availability. For example: "In the desert, water is a "scarce resource"" or "Time is often a "scarce resource" for busy professionals".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "scarce resource"?

Some alternatives to "scarce resource" include "limited quantity", "rare asset", and "limited commodity". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "rare resource" instead of "scarce resource"?

While "rare" and "scarce" are similar, "scarce resource" is more common when referring to something that is essential but limited. "Rare resource" is acceptable, but might imply something is unusual rather than simply limited.

What implications does calling something a "scarce resource" have?

Calling something a "scarce resource" often implies that it needs to be managed carefully, allocated efficiently, or conserved to ensure that it is available for essential uses.