Short and Sparse

Short

Short adjective - Not coming up to an expected measure or meeting a particular need.
Usage example: regrettably, the art supplies are short this year, so you'll have to share

Sparse is a synonym for short in scarce topic. In some cases you can use "Sparse" instead an adjective "Short", when it comes to topics like insufficient.

Sparse

Sparse adjective - Less plentiful than what is normal, necessary, or desirable.
Usage example: open land is sparse around here

Short is a synonym for sparse. Sometimes you can use "Short" instead an adjective "Sparse".

Nearby Word: sparsely
Cite this Source
Sparse and Short. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 14, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/short/sparse
Short & Sparse. N.p., 2016. Web. 14 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/short/sparse>.
Sparse or Short. 2016. Accessed August 14, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/short/sparse.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "short" and "sparse" have occurred on timeline