What does scarce mean?
Scarce describes something that is present in limited quantities, difficult to find, or available only infrequently. It is especially common when describing resources, such as food, water, housing, or money, and it can also refer to people or things that are rarely encountered. The adjective often carries a practical implication: an adequate supply is not available, so careful rationing or searching may be necessary. In the informal expression 'make yourself scarce,' however, the word means to leave or avoid being noticed. Related forms include the adverb 'scarcely,' meaning hardly or barely, and the noun 'scarcity,' meaning a shortage or lack. Together, these forms express the central idea of limited availability, whether in material resources, opportunities, or personal presence.
Existing or available in limited quantity; hard to find or obtain.
"The region has abundant farmland but scarce drinking water."
Often used with resources, supplies, or opportunities. It can also describe a person as difficult to find or see.
To make rare or scarce; to reduce the availability of something.
"The war scarce'd supplies? No, the war made supplies scarce."
This verb form is archaic and literary rather than common in modern standard English.
The word scarce began with the idea of something being separated from what was dear or valuable, so its history is built around scarcity: what is not available can become all the more valued.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does scarce come from?
Scarce entered Middle English from Old French scarc, which developed from Latin excercare, meaning 'to make scarce' or 'make rare.' The Latin word was related to ex-, meaning 'out,' and a root associated with being dear or valuable. The modern adjective became established for quantities that were insufficient or for things that were rare and difficult to obtain.
Related word forms
How scarce is actually used
Scarce is common in formal and everyday English. It usually suggests that a resource or quality is in short supply, while in phrases such as 'make yourself scarce' it can mean to leave quickly or unobtrusively.
Easily confused with scarce
Scarce means difficult to find or obtain, whereas scared means frightened.