scarcely obtainable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scarcely obtainable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is very difficult to acquire or obtain, often implying rarity or limited availability. Example: "The rare manuscript was scarcely obtainable, making it a prized possession for collectors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is not obtainable.

The Guardian

The white ones were obtainable in this country, but the black could only be had from Point Lo os State Park, California, which could scarcely be expected to part with 45 tons of them.

The New Yorker

"It's obtainable," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Surely, a blanket was obtainable.

The New York Times

"By and large, 200 is easily obtainable".

The Guardian

The facts were easily obtainable from me.

The Guardian

Now scarcely 10 per cent are.

Independent

Club membership is required and easily obtainable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Tanimoto scarcely answered.

The New Yorker

But it scarcely matters.

The New York Times

The Babe scarcely needed encouragement.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scarcely obtainable" to emphasize the rarity and difficulty in acquiring something, suggesting it is not only hard to get but also infrequently available.

Common error

Avoid using "scarcely obtainable" when something is simply inconvenient to get. This phrase implies a significant degree of rarity or difficulty, not just mild inconvenience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scarcely obtainable" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It indicates that the noun it modifies is not only rare but also difficult to acquire. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes something that is very difficult to acquire or obtain, often implying rarity or limited availability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "scarcely obtainable" is grammatically correct and serves to describe something that is rare and difficult to acquire. According to Ludwig, its usage is generally neutral to formal, fitting contexts such as news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. While not a common expression, the phrase effectively emphasizes the challenge and exclusivity associated with obtaining the described item or goal. Related alternatives include "barely obtainable", "hardly accessible", and "rarely available".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

barely obtainable

Emphasizes the minimal possibility of obtaining something.

hardly accessible

Focuses on the difficulty in accessing or reaching something.

rarely available

Highlights the infrequency of something being available.

difficult to acquire

Directly states the challenge in acquiring something.

not easily obtained

Indicates that obtaining something requires significant effort.

almost impossible to get

Suggests a very high degree of difficulty in obtaining something.

virtually unattainable

Implies that something is nearly impossible to obtain.

in short supply

Highlights the limited availability of something.

few and far between

Describes something as being infrequent and scarce.

like hen's teeth

An idiomatic expression for something extremely rare and hard to find.

FAQs

How can I use "scarcely obtainable" in a sentence?

You can use "scarcely obtainable" to describe items that are very rare or difficult to get. For example, "Original prints of that artist's work are "scarcely obtainable" today."

What phrases are similar to "scarcely obtainable"?

Alternatives to "scarcely obtainable" include "rarely available", "hardly accessible", or "difficult to acquire".

Is it better to say "scarcely obtainable" or "not easily obtainable"?

Both "scarcely obtainable" and "not easily obtainable" are correct, but "scarcely obtainable" emphasizes a higher degree of rarity or difficulty. "Not easily obtainable" is a more general statement of difficulty.

When should I use "scarcely obtainable" instead of "rare"?

"Rare" simply indicates something is uncommon. "Scarcely obtainable" implies both rarity and difficulty in acquiring the item, suggesting that even if one seeks it out, it will be challenging to get.