Word
sparse
US/ˈspɑɹs/
UK/spˈɑːs/
Definitions
01widely spaced
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. spread out over a large area with a lot of space between things.
adj. distributed in a thin or scattered fashion; having widely spaced intervals.
“The desert has only sparse vegetation because there is very little water.”
“The region is characterized by sparse settlements, with small villages separated by miles of rugged, uninhabited terrain.”
Synonyms
02small in amount
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. not enough of something; very little or thin.
adj. meager or scanty in amount or degree; lacking in abundance.
“Information about the accident was sparse during the first few hours.”
“Details regarding the merger remain sparse, as both companies have declined to comment until the legal review is complete.”
03containing few elements
C1 · Advanced Mathematics Technical
adj. used in math or computing to describe a group of data where most values are zero.
adj. relating to a matrix or data set in which most of the elements are zero or null.
“The computer program runs faster because it uses a sparse matrix.”
“Efficient algorithms for sparse matrices are essential in large-scale simulations where storing every zero would exhaust the available memory.”
Usage
Commonly used in the phrase 'sparse matrix'.
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“There was a sparse crowd in the stands of Alawwal Park for the game against Uzbekistan’s Neftchi Fergana, which was scheduled for kick-off at 9.15pm local time.” Etymology
Borrowed from Latin sparsus.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/sparse