What does sparsity mean?
Sparsity is the condition of something being scarce, thinly distributed, or low in density. It is especially used for populations, vegetation, resources, information, and data: a region may have geographic sparsity, while a database may have data sparsity. The word is more formal than simple alternatives such as “scarcity” and “thinness,” but it is especially useful when describing a pattern of limited or uneven distribution rather than merely a shortage. In technical contexts, sparsity can also be advantageous. Sparse data or representations avoid storing unnecessary values, which can reduce memory use and improve computational efficiency. Overall, sparsity names both the absence of plentiful quantity and the relative sparseness of what is present.
nounThe state or condition of being sparse or scarce, especially the absence of a large quantity of something. It can also refer to the relatively low density or concentration of objects, information, or data.
- The state of being scarce or insufficiently available.
- The condition of being thinly distributed or having low density, as of population, vegetation, information, or data.
"The sparsity of the vegetation made it difficult for the survey team to take accurate measurements."
"The region’s sparsity in terms of public transport makes travel difficult for residents."
"Because the dataset is sparse, the model can represent most records with relatively little stored information."
"There was a sparsity of rainfall throughout the summer."
The plural is used when referring to separate instances or kinds of sparsity, though it is much less common than the singular.
"The report compares the sparsities of rural and urban populations."
In computing, data sparsity is prized: a sparse representation stores only the information that matters, making systems faster and more efficient.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sparsity come from?
The word comes through French from Latin sparsitas, a noun formed from sparsus, meaning “scattered” or “spread out.” Its earlier sense developed from the idea of things being scattered or thinly distributed into the modern meanings of scarcity and low density.
How sparsity is actually used
Sparsity is more formal and technical than everyday alternatives such as “scarcity” and “thinness.” In computing and statistics, it commonly describes a representation in which most possible values are zero or unavailable.
Easily confused with sparsity
Sparse is an adjective meaning thinly distributed or infrequent, whereas sparsity is the noun naming that quality or condition.
Scarcity emphasizes a shortage of something needed or expected, while sparsity more often emphasizes low density or limited concentration.