sparse

[ spahrs ]

adjective

, spars·er, spars·est.

1. thinly scattered or distributed:

   a sparse population.

   Antonyms: abundant

2. not thick or dense; thin:

   sparse hair.

   Antonyms: abundant

3. scanty; meager.

   Antonyms: abundant

sparse

/ spɑːs /

adjective

1. scattered or scanty; not dense

Derived Forms

• ˈsparsely, adverb
• ˈsparseness, noun

Other Words From

• sparse·ly adverb
• spar·si·ty [spahr, -si-tee], sparse·ness noun
• un·sparse adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sparse¹

First recorded in 1715–25; from Latin sparsus, past participle of spargere “to scatter,” sparge

Word History and Origins

Origin of sparse¹

C18: from Latin sparsus, from spargere to scatter

Synonym Study

See scanty.

Example Sentences

The Disney star who consistently outshined and outacted her peers was happy, healthy and ready to sharpen any performing skills that may have dulled during years when work was sparse.

From Salon

"I had to design and optimise experimental conditions for Nematostella based on the sparse literature available from other species. This took some time, but the final results were very rewarding."

From Science Daily

Namibia is a vast and peaceful country with a sparse population of about 3 million, around half of whom are eligible to vote.

From BBC

Although the narrative is sparse, the film is thematically “tectonic,” as Murphy says.

From Los Angeles Times

But the 17-page document, which is expected to head to the Senate next week, is sparse on detail.

From BBC

Related Words

• inadequate
• infrequent
• meager
• scant
• scanty
• scarce
• skimpy
• sporadic
• thin