spärlich

sparse, scant

adjective SHPER-likh Rare

Also means

meagre

Usage Note

spärlich describes a small or thin amount, such as spaerliche Vegetation or spaerlich besiedelt (sparsely populated). It carries a slightly negative tone of insufficiency.

Examples

"Die Region ist nur spärlich bevölkert."

Natural Translation

The region is only sparsely populated.

Literal Translation

The region is only sparsely populated.

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