Definitions

scarce

[skairs] / skɛərs /

ADJECTIVE

insufficient, infrequent

Synonyms

STRONGEST

deficient limited rare scant scanty sparse sporadic

WEAK

at a premium failing few few and far between in short supply occasional seldom seldom met with semioccasional short shortened shy truncated uncommon unusual wanting

Antonyms

STRONGEST

adequate ample plentiful satisfactory sufficient

WEAK

abundant frequent

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Scarce and unaffordable housing is consistently a top concern for Spaniards and represents a stubborn challenge in one of the world's most dynamic developed economies.

From Barron's • Feb. 16, 2026

Scarce resources are still being allocated, only by different rules.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 2026

Scarce housing in the secret city forced the family to live in Albuquerque, and sedans filled with FBI agents religiously trailed him on his hourlong commute.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 22, 2023

Scarce goods can also be given out on a first-come, first-served basis.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 8, 2022

Scarce few places to hide in the kitchen.

From "Challenger Deep" by Neal Shusterman

Vocabulary lists containing scarce

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

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List 3

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100 SAT words Beginning with "S"

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