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Definition of sparse

sparse

/ˈspɑːrs/
sparse
Adverb:sparsely
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sparse Lexical Profile

sparse Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Thinly dispersed or scattered over a wide area; not dense or crowded.

Example

"Vegetation becomes increasingly sparse at higher altitudes along the mountain range."

2

Minimal, plain, or lacking in detail, ornament, or elaboration.

Example

"The author is known for his sparse, direct prose style and minimalist settings."

3

Having a high proportion of zero or empty elements relative to non-zero elements (of a matrix, dataset, or graph in mathematics and computer science).

Example

"Specialized compression algorithms are used to store and process sparse matrices efficiently."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

'Sparse' refers to how thinly something is distributed over an area (e.g., 'sparse vegetation'), whereas 'scarce' refers to a shortage or insufficient supply relative to demand (e.g., 'water is scarce').

• Rhymes for sparse

• Nearby Words

sparmannia
sparrow
sparrowhawk
sparse
sparsely
sparseness
sparsity

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 18th century from Latin 'sparsus', the past participle of 'spargere' ('to scatter, strew, or sprinkle'), which also gave English 'disperse' and 'intersperse'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Sparse. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/sparse
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