sparse

[spahrs]

adjective

sparser, sparsest 

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

Other Word Forms

• sparsely adverb
• sparseness noun
• sparsity noun
• unsparse 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

De Minaur found his rhythm quickly when the match got under way in front of a sparse crowd.

From BBC

Like walking through a sparse forest in early autumn, the air sharp with smoke from a campfire, leaves underfoot brittle enough to crack.

From Salon

In an interview conducted via text message, Tesla Diner chef Eric Greenspan kept details sparse, telling Eater that the menu would be “forever evolving” and that the “unprecedented demand” led to menu cuts for efficiency.

From Salon

For every game of the double header in the Premier League Summer Series, an initially sparse crowd for match one turned into an attendance of about 50,000 for the second.

From BBC

They described a sparse scene inside B-18, with nine holding rooms, each with two toilets.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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