scarcer

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "scarcer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word "scarcer" to describe something that is becoming harder to find or obtain (e.g. a resource or material). For example: "As demand for the limited-edition product increases, its availability is becoming scarcer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At the same time grazing land will become scarcer and tensions over water will intensify.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Decent jobs are scarce and rags-to-riches stories like Wasswa's are even scarcer.

The Guardian

The good news is that tasks such as education and counselling are increasingly being successfully allocated to non-specialists, relieving the burden on scarcer personnel such as nurses and ultimately allowing more people to be treated.

The Guardian

Sweden set some up in 1909, but Europe was generally slower to get going than America, possibly because its land was scarcer and its landowners more powerful.

The Economist

In the short term the reform may make capital a little scarcer as banks tread cautiously.

The Economist

"Nurses are critical to the health-care team, but there is no substitute for education and training," the group said in a statement.As doctors become scarcer and health costs continue to rise, more and more systems will seek to innovate, and the successes they have will become ever more widely known.

The Economist

To the extent that this has made labour more abundant, and capital relatively scarcer, it has put downward pressure on wages relative to the return on capital.

The Economist

If nothing is done, rising health costs will make labour dearer and jobs scarcer.

The Economist

And the more valuable something becomes, the scarcer it seems.Individualistic cultures, which emphasise achievement over affiliation, help cultivate this time-is-money mindset.

The Economist

Infantry regiments tend to recruit from poor areas where jobs are scarce and A-levels scarcer.

The Economist

Furthermore, consumer credit is becoming scarcer as banks anticipate a rise in bad loans.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "scarcer", specify what is becoming scarcer to provide context and clarity for the reader. For example, "Clean water is becoming scarcer in many regions."

Common error

Avoid using "scarcer" to describe something that is already completely absent. "Scarcer" implies a relative decrease, not a total absence. Instead of saying "opportunities are scarcer now that the company closed", consider "opportunities are nonexistent now that the company closed."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "scarcer" is to act as a comparative adjective, modifying a noun by indicating a relative decrease in quantity or availability. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this function, confirming that "scarcer" is a valid comparative adjective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scarcer" functions as a comparative adjective, indicating a diminishing availability or supply of a particular resource or commodity. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, with a wide range of examples sourced from reputable news outlets, business publications, and scientific journals. The analysis reveals that the term is grammatically sound and frequently used in neutral to professional contexts. When using "scarcer", it is essential to clearly specify what is becoming less available to provide context and avoid implying absolute absence. Alternatives include "more limited" and "less abundant".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less abundant

Emphasizes the reduction in plentifulness.

in shorter supply

Focuses on the diminished quantity available.

more limited

Indicates a restriction in quantity or extent.

growing rare

Indicates a transition towards uncommonness.

more difficult to find

Highlights the increased challenge in locating something.

increasingly unavailable

Emphasizes the reduced accessibility.

dwindling

Describes a gradual decrease in amount.

becoming depleted

Suggests a progressive reduction in resources.

in decline

Highlights a downward trend in availability.

tightening

Suggests that the availability of the resources is limited.

FAQs

How do you use "scarcer" in a sentence?

"Scarcer" is used to indicate that something is becoming less available or harder to find. For example, "As resources dwindle, skilled labor becomes "more valuable"."

What can I say instead of "scarcer"?

You can use alternatives like "more limited", "less abundant", or "in shorter supply" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "scarce" or "scarcer"?

"Scarce" describes something that is limited in quantity or availability. "Scarcer" is the comparative form, indicating that something is becoming more scarce over time or in comparison to something else.

What's the difference between "scarcer" and "rare"?

"Rare" describes something that is uncommon or infrequent. "Scarcer" indicates a decreasing availability or abundance of something that may or may not already be rare. Something can become more limited without necessarily becoming rare.