underpopulated

adjective

un·​der·​pop·​u·​lat·​ed ˌən-dər-ˈpä-pyə-ˌlā-təd How to pronounce underpopulated (audio)
: having a lower density of population than is normal or desirable

Examples of underpopulated in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In some cities, efforts to close underpopulated schools have become major political issues. Alec MacGillis, The New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2024 When one tires of the traffic jams in Washington D.C., for example, West Virginia, with its clean air in a blissfully underpopulated countryside, is just a few hours away. Edward Alden, Foreign Affairs, 2 June 2015 Labor Party leaders such as Yitzhak Rabin and Shimon Peres hoped to transfer most of the West Bank to Jordan while supporting Israeli settlement of underpopulated areas. Yossi Klein Halevi, Foreign Affairs, 10 Dec. 2011 But then there come scenes that feel rushed, undernourished, and underpopulated. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for underpopulated 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'underpopulated.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of underpopulated was in 1869

Dictionary Entries Near underpopulated

Cite this Entry

“Underpopulated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underpopulated. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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