thin population

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thin population" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a demographic situation where there are few individuals in a given area or category. Example: "The thin population of the remote village made it difficult to sustain local businesses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Those advantages are grounded in at least 100 years of state-sponsored, or at least state-supported, programs that have helped create and perpetuate a thin population.

The New York Times

A nearby FEMA trailer park remains open for a dozen families, some coffins still await reinterment and the thin population grows increasingly vulnerable to storms because of coastal erosion.

The New York Times - Sports

Its thin population is only slightly closer to a cross-section of Americans than that of Auckland or Bruges, and the caucuses themselves are a sort of carpet-swapping process of preferential apportionment that falls ludicrously short of the one-person, one-vote ideal.

The New York Times

The so-called Scattered Disk, a thin population of comets that have been knocked into strange orbits, extends to about 120 cm, near the edge of your drawing.

Huffington Post

Incidence (per 1000 persons at risk in the mid-year THIN population) was highest for children aged 6 12 years.

BMC Pediatrics

The difference in the distribution of social deprivation for the study population compared with the overall THIN population might be reflective of the difference between the overall smoking population and the sub-group of people prescribed smoking cessation products.

BMC Family Practice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Intended to thin populations of bears that have raided garbage cans, trampled lawns and startled residents in the northern part of the state, the hunt has pitted the Mr. Rogalos and Ms. Smiths of New Jersey against one another.

The New York Times

The film presents a laundry list of the city's woes, among them a thinning population, fiscal instability and spates of political dysfunction.

The New York Times

Admittedly, wiring up the West, with its greater distances and thinner population densities, is tougher than wiring up Kentucky.Part of the problem has been the poor design of federal loan and grant schemes by Congress.

The Economist

The movie depicts the whaling industry as a rapacious one that irreparably thins populations to keep oil lamps lighted, and Moby is bent on avenging the loss.

Los Angeles Times

Each year, the bureau conducts roundups to thin the population.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a population, clarify whether you are referring to the overall number of individuals or the density within a specific area. Using "thin population" is most appropriate when highlighting the insufficient or sparse nature of the group.

Common error

Avoid using "thin population" when you simply mean "small population" without implying scarcity or vulnerability. The word "thin" carries a connotation of fragility or insufficiency, so use it only when that meaning is relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thin population" primarily functions as a descriptive term, where "thin" modifies "population" to indicate a small or sparse grouping. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for describing demographics with few individuals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thin population" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a population that is small or sparsely distributed. While it is frequently used in news and scientific contexts, it carries a connotation of fragility or insufficiency. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, adding that "sparse population" or "low population density" are good alternatives. Remember to consider these nuances when using this phrase to ensure that it accurately reflects the intended meaning and avoids unintended implications. The phrase is generally considered neutral to formal in register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sparse population

Emphasizes the scattered distribution of individuals, making the population less dense.

small population

A more general term indicating a reduced number of individuals, without necessarily implying sparseness.

low population density

Focuses on the ratio of individuals to the area they occupy, highlighting the lack of crowding.

limited number of inhabitants

Specifically refers to people living in a particular place, emphasizing their restricted quantity.

reduced population size

Indicates a decrease in the number of individuals over time, suggesting a decline.

meager population

Implies that the population is not only small but also insufficient or inadequate for certain purposes.

scant population

Suggests that the population is barely sufficient or almost non-existent.

underpopulated area

Describes a region with too few inhabitants compared to its potential or resources.

lightly populated region

Highlights the low density of people living in a specific geographic area.

diminished population

Implies a decrease in population, often due to external factors.

FAQs

What does "thin population" mean?

The phrase "thin population" refers to a population that is small in number or sparsely distributed across an area, often implying vulnerability or scarcity. It suggests that the number of individuals is not substantial or dense.

When is it appropriate to use the term "thin population"?

Use "thin population" when you want to emphasize the small size or sparse distribution of a population, and the implications of this condition. For example, it can highlight challenges related to resource allocation, economic viability, or vulnerability to external threats.

What are some alternatives to "thin population"?

You can use alternatives like "sparse population", "small population", or "low population density" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "thin population" and "sparse population"?

While both terms describe a low number of individuals, "thin population" often implies a sense of fragility or insufficiency, while "sparse population" primarily emphasizes the wide distribution or lack of density. The best choice depends on the intended emphasis.