adjective
- existing in small quantities; not plentiful or abundant
adverb
- hardly; barely; scarcely
Usage: somewhat archaic or literary
Examples
- Fresh water is scarce in desert regions.
- Jobs were scarce during the economic downturn.
- Good teachers are becoming increasingly scarce.
- Food supplies grew scarce during the siege.
- He could scarce believe his eyes when he saw the miracle.
- The old man could scarce walk without assistance.
- Parking spaces are scarce in the downtown area.