exiguity

ex•ig•u•i•ty (eg-zi-gyoo'-i-tee)  n

Definition:
the quality or condition of being scanty or meager

exiguous adjective

Related:
Synonyms: penuriousness, pennilessness, neediness, impoverishment, impecuniousness, impecuniosity, scarcity, poverty, lack
Related Words: exact, from L. exactus "precise, accurate, exact," pp. of exigere "demand, require"
exigence, exigency, exigent, from L. exigentia, from exigentem, prp. of exigere
essay,  from M.Fr. essai "trial, attempt, essay," from L.L. exagium "a weighing, weight," from L. exigere "test,"  the suggestion is of unpolished writing

Sentence Examples:
• Some women, I grant, would not appear to advantage seated on a pillion, and attired in a drab joseph and a drab beaver-bonnet, with a crown resembling a small stew-pan; for a garment suggesting a coachman's greatcoat, cut out under an exiguity of cloth that would only allow of miniature capes, is not well adapted to conceal deficiencies of contour, nor is drab a colour that will throw sallow cheeks into lively contrast. -Silas Marner, George Eliot
• That is, it was one of those diminutive structures which are known at French watering-places as "chalets," and, with an exiguity of furniture, are let for the season to families that pride themselves upon their powers of contraction. - Confidence, Henry James

The Storyline
A decided exiguity of options sprang to mind. So, instinctively Anna sought to extricate herself from the situation to clear her mind and quietly slipped back to her apartment.

Origin:
1650s, from L. exiguus "small, petty, paltry, scanty in measure or number," from exigere "demand, require," lit. "to drive or force out," also "demand, finish, measure," from ex- "out" + agere "drive, lead, act".

Sources: Online Etymology, Free Dictionary

Why This Word:
Just 'cuz. What? You were expecting more?

Word-E: A Word-A-Day