Sparsely

In a scattered or thinly distributed manner; not densely or closely. This adverb describes something that is spread out, with considerable space between its components or instances. It suggests a lack of abundance or concentration. The term highlights the limited presence or occurrence of something across a given area or within a specific context. It can relate to physical objects, populations, resources, information, or any other quantifiable element, emphasizing its relative scarcity or wide distribution.

Sparsely meaning with examples

• The remote island was sparsely populated, with only a few villages dotting its coastline. Tourists found a peaceful atmosphere, but the lack of infrastructure made travel difficult. The limited population meant businesses struggled for customers. Resources were allocated across large distances, making distribution a challenge for residents living on this remote island. This created an independent atmosphere on this small and challenging island.
• After the wildfire, the forest was sparsely covered with new growth, as the land slowly recovered. Many trees were gone leaving large areas. Wild animals struggled to find resources, while erosion became a major problem for surrounding communities. Wildlife needed to adapt or migrate to survive, making observations of fauna difficult to do. The future looked challenging in this area, requiring active environmental management to recover.
• The library's collection was sparsely organized, making it difficult to locate specific books and materials. Finding any resources was a challenge for researchers. The indexing system was also outdated and it wasn't easy to discover what was available. The lack of digital resources hindered research, and the staff struggled to manage the limited space. This slowed down the process for book requests and made searching frustrating.
• Information about the ancient civilization was sparsely documented, leaving many gaps in our understanding of their history. Historians were challenged to piece together an understanding of the culture, art, and society. Artefacts provided small clues, with new discoveries often being the only way to expand knowledge. Interpretation of limited information led to differing theories and debates about the true nature of the ancient people.
• The farmer had planted the crops sparsely, aiming to conserve water in the arid environment. His low density planting was the result of a smart water conservation effort. The plants had more access to sunlight, allowing for an unusual level of growth. While the overall yield was low, the effort minimized water usage during the dry season. This sustainable method reduced his environmental footprint.