How to pronounce scarcity
Say it like SKAIR-sih-tee. Scarcity has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SKAIR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce scarcity. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SKAIR
- sih
- tee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Scarcity pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SKAIRSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- sihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- teeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of scarcity
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: SKAIR-sih-tee.
What does scarcity mean?
- The condition of something being scarce or deficient.
- An inadequate amount of something; a shortage.“a scarcity of grain”
Where does scarcity come from?
Inherited from Middle English scarsite, from Old Northern French escarsete; by surface analysis, scarce + -ity.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying scarcity
How do you pronounce scarcity?
Say SKAIR-sih-tee. The American pronunciation is /ˈskɛrsɪti/. In British English it is /ˈskɛəsɪti/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in scarcity?
Scarcity has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SKAIR). Broken into parts: SKAIR · sih · tee.
Is scarcity pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈskɛəsɪti/ (SKAIR-sih-tee).