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.
Given the relatively sparse facilities in their home country, and the possibility of generating greater income elsewhere, Fiji have been given dispensation to play their home matches on neutral territory.
From BBC
These are low-surface-brightness galaxies, systems so faint they are difficult to detect and so sparse in stars that dark matter makes up most of their mass.
From Science Daily
No matter if a player is sparse or feature-packed, the simple act of playing a cassette creates a sense of calm and focus for him.
From Los Angeles Times
Details of the deal remain sparse, limited to a joint statement and a White House factsheet, but New Delhi says an interim pact should be finalised by the end of March.
From Barron's
The island’s mineral riches, for example, have been difficult to tap because few investors are willing to pay the price given the territory’s sparse infrastructure, hostile climate and regulatory hurdles.
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.
