Definition
'Depopulated' means that a place has experienced a significant reduction in its population, often due to a disaster, disease, or economic hardship. Think of a town after a zombie apocalypse in 'The Walking Dead'—far fewer people than before. 🧟 Unlike 'underpopulated,' which suggests a naturally low population, 'depopulated' implies a loss of people over time. This can lead to economic decline and social disruption. It's more severe than simply being sparsely populated; it's a place that used to have more people. Contrast it with a rapidly growing city.