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Depopulation: meaning, definitions and examples

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depopulation

 

[ ˌdiːˈpɒpjʊˈleɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

population decline

Depopulation refers to the reduction of a population through various means, such as emigration, decreasing birth rates, or mortality. This phenomenon can occur in specific regions or countries and has significant implications for economic and social structures. Societies facing depopulation may experience labor shortages, shrinking markets, and challenges in maintaining public services. Additionally, depopulation can lead to the aging of the population, as a smaller number of youth results in a higher proportion of older individuals.

Synonyms

diminution, population decline, population reduction

Examples of usage

  • The country is facing severe depopulation due to low birth rates.
  • Depopulation can create challenges for sustaining rural communities.
  • Many towns have experienced depopulation as residents move to urban areas.

Translations

Translations of the word "depopulation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 despopulação

🇮🇳 जनसंख्या में कमी

🇩🇪 Entvölkerung

🇮🇩 penurunan populasi

🇺🇦 депопуляція

🇵🇱 depopulacja

🇯🇵 人口減少

🇫🇷 dépopulation

🇪🇸 depopulación

🇹🇷 nüfus azalması

🇰🇷 인구 감소

🇸🇦 تراجع السكان

🇨🇿 depopulace

🇸🇰 depopulácia

🇨🇳 人口减少

🇸🇮 depopulacija

🇮🇸 fólksfækkun

🇰🇿 халықтың азаюы

🇬🇪 ხალხის შემცირება

🇦🇿 əhali azalması

🇲🇽 depopulación

Word origin

The term 'depopulation' is derived from the prefix 'de-' meaning 'removal' or 'reversal' and the word 'population', which originates from the Latin word 'populatio', meaning 'the act of populating' or 'a people'. The concept became more prominent during discussions of demographic changes in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in relation to industrialization and urbanization, which led to shifts in population densities. The implications of depopulation have been observed in various historical contexts, such as during wars, pandemics, and economic downturns, where significant numbers of people leave regions or countries, or cease to be replaced through natural population growth. In modern times, the issue has gained attention as some developed nations grapple with aging populations and declining birthrates, raising concerns about future economic viability and social stability.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,587, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.