What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
unpopulate
Example
The island is unpopulated and has no permanent residents. [unpopulated: adjective]
Example
The desert is unpopulated, with no signs of human activity for miles. [unpopulated: adjective]
depopulate
Example
The city was depopulated after the war, with many residents fleeing to other countries. [depopulated: past participle]
Example
The government's policy of forced relocation depopulated many rural areas. [depopulate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Depopulate is more commonly used than unpopulate in everyday language. Depopulate is more versatile and can be used in various contexts, while unpopulate is less common and is typically used in specific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between unpopulate and depopulate?
Both unpopulate and depopulate are formal words and are not commonly used in everyday language. However, depopulate is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
