How to Say "scarcity" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “scarcity” is “escasez” — use 'escasez' when referring to a literal lack or shortage of a physical resource, like food, water, or money.
escasez
es-ka-SETHeskaˈθeθ
Examples
Hay una grave escasez de agua en la región.
There is a serious water shortage in the region.
La escasez de mano de obra afectó a la construcción.
The labor shortage affected the construction industry.
En tiempos de escasez, debemos ahorrar dinero.
In times of scarcity, we must save money.
Always Feminine
Words ending in '-ez' that describe a quality or state are almost always feminine. Always use 'la escasez' or 'una escasez'.
Connecting with 'de'
To specify what is missing, always use the word 'de' followed by the noun, like 'escasez de tiempo' (lack of time).
Gender Error
Mistake: “el escasez”
Correction: la escasez. Even though it doesn't end in 'a', it is a feminine word.
Spelling Confusion
Mistake: “escaces”
Correction: escasez. Be careful with the 'z' at the end; it only changes to 'c' if you make the word plural (escaseces).
pobreza
poh-BREH-sahpoˈβɾeθa
Examples
La pobreza de ideas en la reunión fue frustrante.
The meagerness of ideas at the meeting was frustrating.
Criticaron la pobreza de su estilo literario.
They criticized the deficiency (or meagerness) of his literary style.
Abstract Use
This meaning is often paired with the preposition 'de' (of) to specify what is lacking, such as 'pobreza de vocabulario' (lack of vocabulary).
Literal vs. Figurative Use
Related Translations
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