\Scarce"ness\, Scarcity \Scar"ci*ty\, n.
The quality or condition of being scarce; smallness of
quantity in proportion to the wants or demands; deficiency;
lack of plenty; short supply; penury; as, a scarcity of
grain; a great scarcity of beauties. --Chaucer.

      A scarcity of snow would raise a mutiny at Naples.
                                               --Addison.

      Praise . . . owes its value to its scarcity. --Rambler.

      The value of an advantage is enhanced by its
      scarceness.                              --Collier.

Syn: Deficiency; lack; want; penury; dearth; rareness;
     rarity; infrequency.