scarcity of numbers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scarcity of numbers" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a lack or insufficient quantity of numerical data or figures. Example: "The scarcity of numbers in the report made it difficult to draw any meaningful conclusions about the project's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The participating brands pay Zoove an annual fee for their number which varies based on length and scarcity of the number.

TechCrunch

At this point, and up until this money gets paid back and hence destroyed, I will be able to be in business and so will other business people so for the short time while the scarcity of financial resources (numbers in a book) is lifted, the real resources of the country will be able to be developed i.e. we will be rich.

BBC

Scarcity in number of personnel and inexperience will weaken the ability of a healthcare facility to provide patient safety.

BMC Health Services Research

Sensitivity can be measured by the proportion of people who have been faced with food shortage, water scarcity, number of months in food shortage, and level of access to different services.

Environmental Systems Research

The scarcity of water limits the number of land turtles in the archipelago, but two species of sea turtles lay their eggs on the sandy shores of the uninhabited islets.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Due to the relative scarcity of LTR elements, the number of regions with no LTR elements is approximately a magnitude higher than regions with no LINEs and SINEs regardless if 10 kbp or 20 kbp is used as a minimum size of regions (Figure 2).

Plosone

Due to water scarcity, a number of wet paddy fields (only found in Shuiyan and Xinzhai) had to be converted into dry lands for the summer season.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

But firms were also looking ahead to a prospective scarcity of labour.In 2009 the number of people of working age in western Germany shrank for the first time.

The Economist

The high variability in blistering on these particles, the scarcity of regions with a large number of burst blisters, and the observation that blistered regions can be separated from non-blistered regions by fractures implies that Itokawa regolith particles are fracturing on timescales similar to blister formation.

Earth, Planets and Space

The scarcity of lots means that the number of single-family dwellings is not likely to increase; a reverse process is taking place: old wooden houses are being demolished, making room for new residential and commercial constructions.

Wikipedia

Because of the current scarcity of UlaGL protein structures, the number of sequences present in the HMM alignment was necessarily low (6).

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "scarcity of numbers", clearly define what the numbers refer to (e.g., "scarcity of numbers of participants", "scarcity of numbers regarding the cases"). This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "scarcity of numbers" as a vague, catch-all phrase. Instead, be specific about the type of data that is scarce and the implications of this scarcity. For instance, instead of just saying "there is a scarcity of numbers", specify "there is a scarcity of reliable data on the long-term effects of the treatment".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scarcity of numbers" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI suggests that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's used to denote a lack or insufficient quantity of numerical data or figures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "scarcity of numbers" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a lack or insufficient quantity of numerical data. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and serves to highlight deficiencies in quantitative information across various fields. Predominantly found in scientific, news media, and formal business contexts, it is crucial to specify the data type to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "lack of numerical data" or "insufficient figures" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. Using "scarcity of numbers" effectively requires clarity in defining the specific data involved to maximize its impact. Although the phrase is widely recognized, a specific communication is more effective for the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of numerical data

Emphasizes the absence of numerical information, rather than the scarcity.

limited quantity of figures

Focuses on the restricted amount of numerical representations.

insufficient number of data points

Highlights that the amount of data is not enough for analysis.

paucity of statistics

Uses a more formal term ("paucity") to denote a small quantity of statistical information.

dearth of quantitative information

Emphasizes a severe lack of quantifiable data.

shortage of numerical values

Indicates a deficiency in the amount of numerical representations.

inadequate amount of metrics

Focuses on the lack of suitable measurements or metrics.

limited availability of figures

Highlights restricted accessibility of numerical data.

rarity of statistical data

Suggests that statistical information is uncommon or infrequent.

deficiency in quantitative measures

Focuses on the lack of adequate measurements.

FAQs

How can I use "scarcity of numbers" in a sentence?

You can use "scarcity of numbers" to describe situations where there is a lack of data or insufficient numerical information. For example, "The "scarcity of numbers" in the report made it difficult to draw any meaningful conclusions about the project's success."

What are some alternatives to "scarcity of numbers"?

Alternatives include "lack of numerical data", "insufficient figures", or "dearth of quantitative information". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey. Examples are available in this guide to help select the most appropriate substitute.

Is it better to say "scarcity of data" or "scarcity of numbers"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "scarcity of data" is generally broader and may be more suitable when referring to a lack of information in general. "Scarcity of numbers" is more specific, indicating a lack of numerical or statistical data.

What does "scarcity of numbers" imply in a research context?

In research, "scarcity of numbers" often implies that the sample size is small, or the available data is limited. This can affect the reliability and generalizability of the research findings. Addressing this "scarcity of numbers" is crucial for drawing valid conclusions.