희박하다
Refers to a state where something is very thin (like air), or a probability that is extremely low and unlikely to happen.
Examples
3 of 5고산 지대는 산소가 희박해서 숨쉬기 힘들다.
It's hard to breathe in high altitudes because the oxygen is thin.
성공 확률이 희박함에도 불구하고 그는 도전했다.
He took the challenge despite the slim probability of success.
우리가 다시 만날 일은 희박해.
The chance of us meeting again is slim.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'Hee' as a tiny, faint light (희미하다) and 'Bak' as thin (박/薄).
Quick Quiz
높은 산에 올라가면 공기가 ( ) 숨이 찹니다.
Correct!
The correct answer is: 희박해서
Examples
고산 지대는 산소가 희박해서 숨쉬기 힘들다.
everydayIt's hard to breathe in high altitudes because the oxygen is thin.
성공 확률이 희박함에도 불구하고 그는 도전했다.
formalHe took the challenge despite the slim probability of success.
우리가 다시 만날 일은 희박해.
informalThe chance of us meeting again is slim.
해당 가설이 입증될 가능성은 희박한 것으로 나타났다.
academicIt appeared that the possibility of the hypothesis being proven was remote.
신규 투자의 수익성이 희박하다는 보고서가 제출되었다.
businessA report was submitted stating that the profitability of the new investment is slim.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
희박한 확률로
with a slim chance
가능성이 매우 희박하다
the possibility is very slim
희박해지다
to become thin/slim
Often Confused With
부족하다 means 'not enough' in quantity; 희박하다 describes density or low probability.
Usage Notes
Very common in IELTS Task 2 when discussing risks or the likelihood of solutions working.
Common Mistakes
Do not use it to describe a person's physical thinness; use '마르다' instead.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Hee' as a tiny, faint light (희미하다) and 'Bak' as thin (박/薄).
Word Origin
From Hanja 稀 (rare/thin) + 薄 (thin).
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
높은 산에 올라가면 공기가 ( ) 숨이 찹니다.
Correct!
The correct answer is: 희박해서
Related Vocabulary
More science words
연관성
B1The state or quality of being related or connected to each other. In research, it often refers to the correlation between variables.
분류
B1The process of putting things into groups according to their characteristics. This is a fundamental step in data analysis and organization.
입증
B1The act of proving that something is true or correct using evidence or logic. It is a key term in research and legal contexts.
추출
B1The process of removing or taking something out from a whole, often using a specific method or tool. In research, it refers to selecting specific data or samples.
검증
B1The process of checking or proving that something is true, accurate, or effective through testing or examination. It is a critical stage in scientific research and policy making.
연료
B1Material such as coal, gas, or oil that is burned to produce heat or power. A common topic in IELTS science and energy passages.
이론
B1A system of ideas intended to explain something, especially one based on general principles independent of the thing to be explained.
반응
B1A response or action that occurs in return to a stimulus, event, or chemical substance.
선정하다
B1To select or choose something from a group based on specific criteria or for a specific purpose.
탐색하다
B1To explore, investigate, or search for something to find information or discover new things.
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