Definition

The state of being insufficient or lacking in quantity or quality.

Example

The scantiness of the food supply led to concerns about the upcoming winter.

Conversation

Have you noticed the scantiness of the menu at that new restaurant?

Yeah, I thought it would have more options for a place that just opened.

Right? I was a bit disappointed with the scantiness of their choices.

Same here! I hope they expand it soon.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Scantiness → It is formed from "scant" (from Old Norse "skant", meaning short or insufficient) and the suffix "-ness" (meaning the state or quality of). The word "scantiness" refers to the quality of being insufficient or lacking in quantity.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'short' or 'insufficient' ('scant') and how the '-ness' indicates a state or quality. This helps you remember that 'scantiness' means the state of being insufficient.

Visually Confused Words