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paltry

[pawl-tree] / ˈpɔl tri /


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.

Net foreign direct investment in the fiscal year that ended March 31 was a paltry $7.7 billion, down from $28 billion three years earlier.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

But no candidate ever had much more than a paltry 20% support; for all the heavy breathing, the race was always pretty much a multi-candidate tie.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2026

Bogle took the opportunity, paltry as it was.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

Against Ireland a fortnight ago, England made 16 visits to the opposition 22, but returned with a relatively paltry 21 points.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026

Instead I give her something paltry and useless: a verb to conjugate.

From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein




Vocabulary lists containing paltry


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