adjective
Related Words
See scanty.
Other Word Forms
- sparsely adverb
- sparseness noun
- sparsity noun
- unsparse adjective
Etymology
Origin of sparse
First recorded in 1715–25; from Latin sparsus, past participle of spargere “to scatter,” sparge
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It was selected for planting because of the sparse natural regeneration.
From Los Angeles Times
Typical hedge trimming techniques, which use heavy machinery, can leave hedges sparse, creating unfavourable living environments for local animals like birds, hedgehogs and insects.
From BBC
Singh suspects the speed of the sinking - and possibly sparse shipping in the area at the time - meant few nearby vessels could respond.
From BBC
The firm’s fundraising materials provided sparse details on its chief executive, Paresh Raja, and offered financial information that diverged widely from its public financial reporting, according to documents reviewed by The Wall Street Journal.
"Evidence on chronic high consumption from fortified foods and long-term neurobehavioral outcomes is still sparse. Moderation, clear labelling, and attention to total daily exposure remain prudent," advises Begdache.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
