Scarcer

The comparative form of the adjective 'scarce,' meaning existing in insufficient quantities or numbers; rare, uncommon, or difficult to find. It implies a lesser availability of something compared to a previous time or situation, or in contrast to something else. The scarcity can apply to tangible items, resources, abstract qualities, or even events. The degree of scarcity can range from slight to extreme, indicating the increasing difficulty in obtaining or experiencing the object or phenomenon in question. The word frequently reflects a demand that exceeds the supply, thereby increasing the value or significance of what is scarcer.

Scarcer meaning with examples

• As the drought worsened, clean water became scarcer, forcing the local government to implement strict rationing policies to ensure equitable distribution across the affected communities. Residents struggled to secure the precious resource, adapting their lifestyles to minimize water usage. The scarcity created tension, highlighting the vulnerability to climate change and underscoring the vital importance of water conservation efforts.
• Original first edition copies of the historical novel were already quite rare, but with the catastrophic fire that decimated the publishing house, the remaining volumes became even scarcer. Collectors feverishly sought after the few surviving books, driving up the prices at auction and transforming the novels into highly coveted treasures within the literary world.
• With each passing year, opportunities for genuine human connection seemed to grow scarcer. The prevalence of social media, while seemingly connecting us, ironically made authentic, face-to-face interactions rarer. People found it challenging to cultivate deep relationships, feeling a growing sense of isolation amidst the digital landscape of a world so full of people.
• In the aftermath of the economic crash, jobs in the technology sector became scarcer. Many skilled workers, especially those with experience in specialized areas like AI and data science, found themselves competing fiercely for the limited positions. This shift spurred a significant rethinking of educational pathways and career development strategies for new graduates.