Describing something that is rare, infrequent, difficult to locate, or not readily available. This term highlights the challenge in discovering or obtaining the object, concept, or characteristic in question. It implies a significant degree of rarity, often suggesting that the subject is either hidden, lost, extremely limited in distribution, or simply not a common occurrence. It carries a connotation of effort required to find it, maybe even implying it's almost impossible or very hard to find. The subject of 'scarcely-found' is often unique or precious because of its scarcity.
Scarcely-found meaning with examples
- The antique shop was a treasure trove, yet authentic Victorian-era dolls were scarcely-found. The owner explained the few that remained were in museums or private collections, each with a story of their own. I spent hours looking through the shop trying to find the elusive doll that would finish my collection, but to no avail.
- Despite intensive research, evidence of pre-Columbian sailing vessels capable of trans-Atlantic voyages remains scarcely-found. Historians have scoured ancient texts and analyzed artifacts, but conclusive proof is elusive. Theories abound, but a single piece of solid evidence eludes them. It's a frustrating chase for that one piece of the puzzle.
- In remote regions of the Amazon rainforest, endemic species of plants with potential medicinal properties are scarcely-found by botanists. The dense jungle, coupled with deforestation, makes surveying and finding these treasures exceedingly difficult. The team knew it could take months and it would require countless hours of work.
- During the economic crisis, job opportunities, especially in specific fields like aerospace engineering, became scarcely-found. Many graduates and experienced professionals struggled to locate employment that matched their skills and experience. Competition was fierce, forcing people to consider jobs they hadn't before.
- Original copies of certain historical documents, such as early maps of the unexplored world, are now scarcely-found, having been lost to time, damage, or simply misplacement. Collectors and researchers are willing to pay massive amounts for a rare piece, but the rarity of the treasure makes it a difficult task.