1. in a way that is thinly distributed or scattered; with few people, things, or inhabitants in a given area
The desert is sparsely populated with only a few settlements.
O deserto é escassamente povoado com apenas alguns assentamentos.
2. in a manner that is limited in quantity or amount; meagerly
The room was sparsely furnished with only a bed and a chair.
O quarto era escassamente mobiliado com apenas uma cama e uma cadeira.