What does "depopulation" mean?
The act of depopulating or condition of being depopulated; the destruction or expulsion of inhabitants.
Depopulation
/diˌpɑ.pjəˈleɪ.ʃən/ noun
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The act of depopulating or condition of being depopulated; the destruction or expulsion of inhabitants.
- Grammar: depopulation is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: decrease in population, deliberate depopulation, demographic decline, depopulating.
- Useful contrasts: human population, national populations, total population.
- Usage evidence: Surprisingly, the most serious consequences of rural depopulation are often felt in urban areas.
How to use "depopulation"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "depopulation" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "depopulation" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "depopulation" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "depopulation" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "decrease in population" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The act of depopulating or condition of being depopulated; the destruction or expulsion of inhabitants. countable, uncountable
"A 2022 report published by the Scottish Borders Council states: "Hawick has been affected more by depopulation than any other Borders town, with all parts of the town experiencing population loss, and Hawick Central is currently experiencing the highest depopulation out of the 30 Intermediate Zones in Scottish Borders.""
- 2 the condition of having reduced numbers of inhabitants (or no inhabitants at all) wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
human populationnational populationstotal populationcity population growth
Example
"Surprisingly, the most serious consequences of rural depopulation are often felt in urban areas."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "depopulation"?
Common synonyms include: decrease in population, deliberate depopulation, demographic decline, depopulating, desolation, devastation.
How do you use "depopulation" in a sentence?
Surprisingly, the most serious consequences of rural depopulation are often felt in urban areas.
How do you pronounce "depopulation"?
Pronounced /diˌpɑ.pjəˈleɪ.ʃən/.
Etymology
Inherited from Middle English depopulacion (also spelled depopulacyoun, depopolacion), borrowed from Latin dēpopulātiō. By surface analysis, depopulate + -ion.