scarce supply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scarce supply" is correct and can be used in written English.
You might use this phrase when referring to a limited quantity or amount of something. For example, "Due to the pandemic, there has been a scarce supply of toilet paper."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Leadership was in scarce supply.

The New York Times - Books

Start said jobs and affordable housing were in scarce supply.

The Guardian

It is when peaks in demand sap scarce supply that prices soar in deregulated power markets.

The New York Times

Many traders face longer trips to work and a scarce supply of parking spaces.

The New York Times

One reason is that the Fed will be muscling in on scarce supply.

The New York Times

In some cases, the emptiness would seem to be related to infrastructure and scarce supply.

The New York Times

In at least some squadrons, scarce supply might not be the issue.

The New York Times

In one of the hottest places on Earth, water is in scarce supply.

Independent

"The change has potentially huge implications for the scarce supply of affordable rented accommodation," says Matt Hutchinson, director of Spareroom.

The Guardian - Money

There's even the occasional splash of dry humour, a commodity in pretty scarce supply on Silence Yourself.

The Guardian - Music

There is no question, though, that demand for beer, which was in scarce supply in Soviet times, has surged.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "scarce supply", specify what exactly is limited. For example, instead of just saying "There is a scarce supply", specify "There is a scarce supply of clean water".

Common error

While grammatically correct, "scarce supply" sounds overly formal in casual conversation. In less formal contexts, consider using simpler terms like "shortage" or "limited amount".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scarce supply" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a limited quantity of something, impacting availability and potentially creating competition for resources, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scarce supply" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes a limited quantity of something. According to Ludwig, it is indeed correct and appropriate for written English. It is most often found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While perfectly acceptable, the phrase might sound overly formal in everyday conversation where alternatives like "shortage" or "limited amount" may be more suitable. When employing "scarce supply", ensure that you clearly specify the item that is limited to enhance clarity. The semantic similarity analysis provided several alternatives, including "limited availability" and "shortage", which can be used to diversify your writing while maintaining accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited availability

Focuses on the aspect of availability being restricted.

shortage

Emphasizes the lack of sufficient quantity.

dearth

Indicates a severe lack or scarcity.

paucity

Highlights the smallness of the amount available.

limited quantity

Directly states that the amount is restricted.

inadequate amount

Focuses on the insufficiency of the quantity.

restricted resource

Highlights that a resource is limited or controlled.

thinly stretched

Suggests that the available amount is barely enough to meet needs.

rare commodity

Indicates that something is both limited and valuable.

meager provision

Emphasizes that the supply is insufficient and barely adequate.

FAQs

How to use "scarce supply" in a sentence?

You can use "scarce supply" to describe a situation where something is limited or not readily available. For example: "Due to the drought, there is a "scarce supply" of water."

What can I say instead of "scarce supply"?

You can use alternatives like "limited availability", "shortage", or "dearth" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "scarce supply" or "scarcity of supply"?

Both "scarce supply" and "scarcity of supply" are grammatically correct, but ""scarce supply"" is more concise and commonly used. "Scarcity of supply" emphasizes the general condition of scarcity.

What is the difference between "scarce supply" and "limited supply"?

"Scarce supply" implies a more significant lack or deficiency compared to "limited supply". While both indicate a restricted amount, ""scarce supply"" suggests a more pressing or critical shortage.