depopulation

Inherited from Middle English depopulacion (also spelled depopulacyoun, depopolacion), borrowed from Latin dēpopulātiō. By surface analysis, depopulate +‎ -ion.

• (UK) IPA^(key): /diːˌpɒ.pjəˈleɪ.ʃən/
• (US) IPA^(key): /diˌpɑ.pjəˈleɪ.ʃən/

  • Audio (General American):

    (file)

• Rhymes: -eɪʃən

depopulation (countable and uncountable, plural depopulations)

1. The act of depopulating or condition of being depopulated; the destruction or expulsion of inhabitants.
   • 2025 April 30, Andy Comfort, “£10 million closer to Carlisle”, in RAIL, number 1034, page 41:

     A 2022 report published by the Scottish Borders Council states: "Hawick has been affected more by depopulation than any other Borders town, with all parts of the town experiencing population loss, and Hawick Central is currently experiencing the highest depopulation out of the 30 Intermediate Zones in Scottish Borders."