Definition

The quality of being thinly scattered or not dense; having few elements or items in a given area.

Example

The sparsity of trees in the desert makes it difficult for wildlife to find shelter.

Conversation

Have you noticed the sparsity of trees in this area?

Yeah, it seems like there are fewer than there used to be.

I wonder how that affects the local wildlife.

It probably makes it harder for some animals to find shelter.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Sparsity → It is formed from "sparsus" (from Latin, meaning scattered or thinly spread) and the suffix "-ity" (meaning the state or quality of). The word "sparsity" refers to the state of being scattered or thinly distributed.

Memory Tip

Think of things that are 'scattered' ('sparsus') and remember that 'sparsity' means a state of being thinly spread.

Visually Confused Words