meager

[mee-ger] / ˈmi gər /

ADJECTIVE

small, inadequate; poor

Synonyms

STRONGEST

insufficient mere minimum miserable paltry puny scant scanty skimpy sparse tenuous

STRONG

scrimpy

WEAK

bare barren deficient exiguous flimsy inappreciable inconsiderable infertile insubstantial little scrimp shabby short skimp slender slight spare subtle too little too late unfinished unfruitful unproductive wanting weak

Antonyms

STRONGEST

adequate ample enough generous plentiful rich significant substantial sufficient wealthy

WEAK

big fat full large liberal plenty wide

ADJECTIVE

very thin

Synonyms

STRONGEST

slim tenuous

WEAK

angular bare beanpole beanstalk bony broomstick emaciated gangling gangly gaunt hungry lacking lank lanky lean lithe little narrow rattleboned rawboned scraggy scrawny skin and bones skinny slender spare starved stinted stunted underfed wanting willowy withered

Antonyms

WEAK

adequate big fat full large liberal plenty substantial sufficient wide

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.

In Africa, South Asia and the Middle East, the IMF warned that a number of countries were already struggling with meager foreign reserves and "limited market access," making them vulnerable to "dangerous" debt shocks.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

The family scraped by with meager income his mother obtained from such jobs as waitress and laundry worker.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

But it’s not going to happen on her accounting clerk salary at Purina, let alone Floyd’s meager earnings.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026

The nation’s trade deficit fell in 2025 by a meager 0.2% to $901.5 billion, but only due to a large and quirky increase in gold exports tied to U.S. tariff policy.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 19, 2026

I was just finishing my meager meal when Uncle Moshe found me.

From "Prisoner B-3087" by Alan Gratz

meager

Example Sentences

Related Words