Sparsely

/ˈspɑːr.sli/

Meaning & Definition

adverb
In a way that is thinly dispersed or scattered; not densely.
The trees were planted sparsely across the landscape, giving the area a vast, open feel.
In a scanty or insufficient manner.
The sparsely populated area lacked essential services like schools and hospitals.
In a manner that lacks richness or fullness.
The room was furnished sparsely, with only a table and a couple of chairs.
With a low density.
The town was sparsely lit at night, making it difficult to see.

Etymology

From Middle English 'spars', meaning 'scattered' or 'thinly spread'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

sparse population
A population that is thinly spread out over an area.
sparsely populated area
An area that has a low number of people living in it.
sparsely arranged
Items that are arranged in a scattered or ungrouped manner.

Related Words

sparse
Thinly dispersed or scattered.
scarce
Insufficient for the demand.
scattered
Thrown or placed away from each other.

Slang Meanings

Barely there
The club was sparsely attended last night.
Light on quantity
The inventory is sparsely stocked this week.