ETYM Old Eng. derthe, from dere. Related to Dear.
1. A severe shortage (especially a shortage of food); SYN. famine, shortage.
2. An insufficient quantity or number; SYN. paucity.

ETYM Latin penuria; cf. Greek, hunger: cf. French pénurie.
1. Absence of resources; want; privation; indigence; extreme poverty; destitution.
2. Penuriousness; miserliness.
3. Destitution; poverty.

A small and inadequate amount; SYN. scarceness.
In economics, insufficient availability of resources to satisfy wants. The use of scarce resources has an opportunity cost.

1. Amount or extent of deficiency, as determined by some requirement or standard
2. A lack.