過疎
Meanings
1
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
depopulation; underpopulation; low population density
Often used in social and regional contexts to describe areas suffering from population decline, especially rural depopulation. Antonym: 過密 (overcrowding).
Antonyms: 過密
In depopulated areas, the outflow of young people is a serious problem.
This village is undergoing depopulation.
Usage patterns
- 〈場所〉が過疎化するfor a place to become depopulated
This village is becoming more depopulated every year.
- 過疎に悩むto be plagued by depopulation
This region has long been plagued by depopulation.