Definitions

drop in the bucket

NOUN

small amount

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bit trivial amount

STRONG

pittance small amount small change small potatoes small quantity

WEAK

Band-Aid cosmetic measure disappointment drop in the ocean lick and a promise miniscule amount not enough speck spit in the sea too little too late trifle

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The problem with this way of thinking is that each of us contributes an infinitesimally small drop in the bucket of global greenhouse gases.

From Slate • May 15, 2026

Teaching unions said they would be scrutinising the proposals closely, with one saying the money was "barely a drop in the bucket" of what was needed because of "years of underfunding".

From BBC • Feb. 22, 2026

Yes, it’s a drop in the bucket compared with Harvard’s gigantic $57 billion endowment.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 21, 2025

On the balance sheets of multibillion-dollar companies, the cost of private aviation is a drop in the bucket of jet fuel.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 9, 2025

Gran had left such a big hole in our lives to fill that I wondered if I could even be a drop in the bucket.

From "Root Magic" by Eden Royce

drop in the bucket

Example Sentences

Related Words