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Scarcity in Irish (Gannchuid): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘gannchuid’ also means: want

The Irish for scarcity is gannchuid, a feminine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “scarcity” in Irish

Irish:
gannchuid
English:
scarcity, want
Word type:
noun
Gender:
feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:
“GOWN-khwid”  /ˈɡaunˌxɪdʲ/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
gannchoda, na gannchoda (e.g. aimsir na gannchoda, the time of scarcity)

What does “gannchuid” mean?

“Gannchuid” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

scarcity
A shortage or scant supply of something, not enough of what is needed.Also: shortage, scant supply, want, lack.
1 other meaning: want
2want
The condition of having too little to live on, poverty or need.Also: need, poverty, penury.

Other Irish words for scarcity: ganntanas (scarcity), gannchar (scarcity), teirce (scarcity)

“Gannchuid” with the article

Here is gannchuid after the article (an t-alt).

an ghannchuid
the scarcity
Lenition: g becomes gh after an (feminine noun)

“Gannchuid” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using gannchuid, the Irish word for scarcity.

Bhí gannchuid bia ann i rith an gheimhridh.
There was a scarcity of food during the winter.
Tá gannchuid airgid orainn i mbliana.
We are short of money this year.
D'fhulaing na daoine an ghannchuid go foighneach.
The people endured the shortage patiently.
Bhí siad beo ar an ngannchuid.
They were living on very little.
Is cuimhin liom blianta na gannchoda go maith.
I remember the years of want well.
Tá gannchuid uisce sa cheantar seo.
There is a shortage of water in this area.
Ní raibh ach gannchuid tine acu.
They had only a meagre fire.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Scarcity in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for scarcity?

The Irish for scarcity is gannchuid (pronounced “GOWN-khwid”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean want.

How do you pronounce gannchuid in Irish?

Gannchuid is said like “GOWN-khwid” (IPA /ˈɡaunˌxɪdʲ/).

Does gannchuid have a plural?

No plural form is given for gannchuid in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does gannchuid have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gannchuid can mean scarcity or want, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does gannchuid change to ghannchuid or ngannchuid?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) gannchuid becomes mo ghannchuid (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngannchuid (eclipsis).

What is the difference between gannchuid and ganntanas?

Both mean scarcity or shortage; ganntanas is the more common everyday word, while gannchuid often suggests a meagre portion or living in want, as in 'ar an ngannchuid'.

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