Meager describes an amount, supply, portion, or result that is smaller or poorer than expected or needed. Some alternatives emphasize quantity, while others emphasize adequacy or value.
Which Kind of Scarcity Do You Mean?
For Meager, the 12 options below are arranged by meaning and use. The quick list matches the detailed entries and examples that follow.
- Scant
- Sparse
- Insufficient
- Paltry
- Inadequate
- Limited
- Skimpy
- Puny
- Minimal
- Miserly
- Modest
- Bare
Scant
“Scant” means barely sufficient in amount or quantity. It is a more precise alternative to Meager when that particular nuance is the one you need.
Example: In an edited sentence, “Scant” can carry the part of “Meager” connected with barely sufficient in amount or quantity.
Sparse
“Sparse” means thinly distributed or present in small numbers. It is a more precise alternative to Meager when that particular nuance is the one you need.
Example: If the intended nuance is thinly distributed or present in small numbers, “Sparse” is a plausible substitute for “Meager”.
Insufficient
“Insufficient” means not enough to meet a need. It is a more precise alternative to Meager when that particular nuance is the one you need.
Example: The phrase “Insufficient” belongs naturally in writing where the important idea is not enough to meet a need.
Paltry
“Paltry” means disappointingly small or of little value. It is a more precise alternative to Meager when that particular nuance is the one you need.
Example: For prose that highlights disappointingly small or of little value, “Paltry” can sharpen the wording.
Inadequate
“Inadequate” means not sufficient in quantity, quality, or capability. It is a more precise alternative to Meager when that particular nuance is the one you need.
Example: A revision may use “Inadequate” where “Meager” would be too broad for a context about not sufficient in quantity, quality, or capability.
Limited
“Limited” means restricted in amount, range, or availability. It is a more precise alternative to Meager when that particular nuance is the one you need.
Example: The choice “Limited” makes sense when the sentence needs to express restricted in amount, range, or availability.
Skimpy
“Skimpy” means too small or insufficient, often informally. It is a more precise alternative to Meager when that particular nuance is the one you need.
Example: In a context built around too small or insufficient, often informally, “Skimpy” can preserve the intended meaning.
Puny
“Puny” means very small, weak, or unimpressive. It is a more precise alternative to Meager when that particular nuance is the one you need.
Example: A writer can use “Puny” to make a sentence about very small, weak, or unimpressive more exact.
Minimal
“Minimal” means the smallest amount possible or present. It is a more precise alternative to Meager when that particular nuance is the one you need.
Example: When editing for nuance, “Minimal” is worth considering if the context is the smallest amount possible or present.
Miserly
“Miserly” means very small in amount, especially when more could reasonably be given. It is a more precise alternative to Meager when that particular nuance is the one you need.
Example: The expression “Miserly” can fit naturally where the sentence deals with very small in amount, especially when more could reasonably be given.
Modest
“Modest” means limited or not large, often without the negative force of meager. It is a more precise alternative to Meager when that particular nuance is the one you need.
Example: For a sentence whose real focus is limited or not large, often without the negative force of meager, “Modest” can be more specific than “Meager”.
Bare
“Bare” means only just sufficient, with little to spare. It is a more precise alternative to Meager when that particular nuance is the one you need.
Example: A careful rewrite might select “Bare” when only just sufficient, with little to spare is the sense that matters.
Choosing the Right Wording for “Meager”
Scant, sparse, limited, minimal, and bare focus on quantity. Insufficient and inadequate stress not meeting a need. Paltry, skimpy, puny, and miserly carry stronger criticism, while modest is milder.