'scarcity' originates from Middle English, specifically formed from the adjective 'scarce' plus the suffix '-ity' meaning 'state or condition'.

'scarce' came into English from Old French 'escarse' or 'scarse' meaning 'rare' and was later combined with the Latinate suffix '-ity' in Middle English to form 'scarcity'.

Initially associated with the adjective sense 'rare' or 'few', it evolved into the noun meaning 'the state or condition of being scarce; shortage'.