scarcity of

USAGE SUMMARY

"scarcity of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to the lack of something, or when there is not enough of something. For example: "The scarcity of natural resources has caused the prices of energy to skyrocket in recent years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

There is also a scarcity of choice.

The Economist

The scarcity of salt was particularly acute.

The New York Times

The increasing scarcity of drinkable water.

The New York Times

But the scarcity of troops contributes to lapses in security.

The New York Times

Then the scarcity of services like express buses and sewers.

The New York Times

Taiwan's deteriorating economy and scarcity of land are also hurting.

The New York Times

Mexico City's problem is not the scarcity of water.

The Guardian

Tells about the scarcity of water in the city.

The New Yorker

"They've benefited from a scarcity of value among Internet companies".

The New York Times

Cultural critics often lament the scarcity of black writers.

The New York Times - Books

But there seems to be no scarcity of interest.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "scarcity of", specify the resource or item that is limited to provide context and clarity to your writing. For instance, instead of saying "There is a scarcity", specify "There is a "scarcity of" clean water."

Common error

While "scarcity of" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "lack of" or "shortage of" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scarcity of" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or within a prepositional phrase. It describes the condition of something being limited or insufficient. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

21%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scarcity of" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to denote a limited availability or shortage of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. The phrase is most commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When writing, ensure you specify what is scarce for clarity and consider simpler alternatives like "lack of" in more casual settings. Always remember that "scarcity of" highlights limitations and informs about restricted availability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of

A more general term for absence or deficiency.

shortage of

Focuses on a deficiency in supply, often temporary.

paucity of

Emphasizes a small or insufficient quantity.

dearth of

Indicates a severe lack or absence.

insufficiency of

Highlights the inadequacy or incompleteness.

limited supply of

Focuses on the restricted quantity available.

inadequate amount of

Emphasizes the insufficient quantity for a specific need.

deficiency in

Highlights the lack of an essential quality or element.

rarity of

Focuses on the infrequency of finding something.

absence of

Indicates a complete lack of something.

FAQs

How do I use "scarcity of" in a sentence?

Use "scarcity of" to describe a limited supply or availability of something. For example, "The "scarcity of" resources led to innovation".

What can I say instead of "scarcity of"?

You can use alternatives like "lack of", "shortage of", or "dearth of" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "scarcity of" or "lack of"?

Both "scarcity of" and "lack of" are correct, but "scarcity of" implies a more severe or widespread shortage. "Lack of" is more general.

What does "scarcity of resources" mean in economics?

"Scarcity of resources" refers to the fundamental economic problem of having seemingly unlimited human wants in a world of limited resources. It requires societies to make choices about how to allocate resources efficiently.