sparse

[spɑːrs]

sparse Definition

  • 1thinly dispersed or scattered
  • 2occurring, growing, or settled at widely spaced intervals; not thick or dense

Using sparse: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "sparse" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The forest was sparse with trees.

  • Example

    The sparse population of the area made it difficult to find a good restaurant.

  • Example

    The sparse rainfall led to a drought.

sparse Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for sparse

Antonyms for sparse

Phrases with sparse

  • a matrix in which most of the elements are zero

    Example

    Sparse matrices are used in numerical analysis and scientific computing.

  • data that has many missing values or is incomplete

    Example

    Dealing with sparse data is a common problem in machine learning.

  • an area with few inhabitants per square mile or kilometer

    Example

    The sparse population of the region made it difficult to provide public services.

Origins of sparse

from Latin 'sparsum', meaning 'scattered'

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Summary: sparse in Brief

The term 'sparse' [spɑːrs] refers to something that is thinly dispersed or scattered, or occurring, growing, or settled at widely spaced intervals. It can describe physical objects like trees or populations, as in 'The forest was sparse with trees.' 'Sparse' can also refer to data that has many missing values or is incomplete, as in 'Dealing with sparse data is a common problem in machine learning.'

How do native speakers use this expression?