Depauperate

Depauperate describes a state of impoverishment, degradation, or decline in size, number, or quality. It often applies to biological contexts, referring to the weakening or diminished vitality of organisms or ecosystems due to adverse conditions like nutrient scarcity, environmental stress, or isolation. The term also extends metaphorically to describe anything experiencing a loss of richness, variety, or strength, such as communities, cultures, or even abstract ideas. It suggests a reduction from a more robust or flourishing state to one that is significantly weakened or lacking in essential elements. The process leading to a depauperate state involves a reduction in resources, a loss of biodiversity, or a narrowing of capabilities.

Depauperate meaning with examples

• The prolonged drought rendered the local ecosystem significantly depauperate, with many plant species withering and the animal population dwindling. The lack of water severely impacted the region’s biodiversity. The surviving creatures struggled to find adequate sustenance. Recovery depended on the unpredictable arrival of rainfall. This lack of water made the environment depauperate.
• Years of unsustainable agricultural practices led to the soil becoming depauperate, depleted of essential nutrients and unable to support healthy crop growth. The farmer was forced to use synthetic fertilisers. This caused further environmental harm. The yields became increasingly meager. The once fertile farmland slowly became depauperate.
• The isolated island's fauna had become depauperate over centuries, with a limited range of species and a high degree of inbreeding, making them vulnerable. Because of the remoteness, the island's gene pool became depauperate. This caused the animals to be prone to disease. The lack of new genes further endangered their survival. They existed in a depauperate state.
• After the economic downturn, the city's cultural scene became noticeably depauperate, with many art galleries closing and fewer public funding opportunities. The arts and entertainment industries struggled to cope with lack of funding. The creative vitality of the city was affected. Artists left in search of other opportunities. The city was now depauperate culturally.