C1nounsocietyurban
US/ˌdiː.pɑː.pjəˈleɪ.ʃən/
UK/ˌdiː.pɒp.jʊˈleɪ.ʃən/
a large fall in the number of people living in an area
In context
Rural depopulation has left many villages with only a few elderly residents.
Young people moving to cities is one cause of depopulation in the countryside.
Governments are looking for ways to stop the depopulation of small towns.
Words that go with depopulation
adjective + noun
- rural depopulationRural depopulation threatens local schools and shops.
- rapid depopulationRapid depopulation has closed hospitals in the north.
verb + noun
- cause depopulationLack of jobs can cause depopulation.
- reverse depopulationThe new factory may help reverse depopulation in the region.
noun + preposition
- depopulation of villagesThe depopulation of villages is a problem across the region.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
Depopulation is a problem of many countries.Correct: Depopulation is a problem in many countries.