scarcely

American  

[skairs-lee] / ˈskɛərs li /

adverb

1. barely; hardly; not quite.

   The light is so dim we can scarcely see.

2. definitely not.

   This is scarcely the time to raise such questions.

3. probably not.

   You could scarcely have chosen better.

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scarcely British  

/ ˈskɛəslɪ /

adverb

1. hardly at all; only just

2. ironic probably not or definitely not

   that is scarcely justification for your actions

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Usage

See hardly.

Related Words

See hardly.

Etymology

Origin of scarcely

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English; see origin at scarce, -ly

Explanation

Scarcely means just before, hardly, or “almost not.” If you had scarcely made it to bed when the sun started to rise, you are probably pretty tired by now. Scarcely may have just made it in the nick of time and by the skin of its teeth, but it’s here now, even if it is just barely hanging on — which means you can scarcely accuse it of not showing up. Though an ly adverb, scarcely is unusual in that it is not so much a descriptor of its root adjective as a synonym of the adverb form scarce. If you scarcely believe me, look it up for yourself!

Example Sentences

The claim that the task force had met “once a month,” when in fact it had scarcely met, led me to contact Harris and ask where he’d gotten that misinformation.

From Salon • Apr. 20, 2026

The substitute could scarcely believe it as goalscorer Adrien Truffert wheeled away in delight, but this has been an all too familiar tale.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

In the scarcely less crucial role of Biff, the Lomans’ wayward elder son, on whom Willy has pinned his hopes as the redeemer of his own failures, Mr. Abbott is a revelation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

Yet A House of Dynamite could scarcely be timelier.

From Slate • Mar. 13, 2026

“Dear old Hixby’s. Isn’t it odd? The book was scarcely any use at all, but I feel a bit at sixes and sevens without it.”

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

• hardly
• rarely
• seldom