Final answer:
The closest antonym for the word prolific as it is used in the article is sparse.
Step-by-step explanation:
The closest antonym for the word prolific as it is used in the article is sparse. While prolific means producing a large amount or number of something, sparse means scarce or not abundant. In the context of the article, if something is described as prolific, it suggests that there is a high quantity, whereas if it is described as sparse, it suggests that there is a low quantity. For example, if a writer is described as having a prolific output, it means they have produced a large number of works. On the other hand, if a writer is described as having a sparse output, it means they have produced a small number of works.