Paltry Meaning in English
word
ˈpɔɫtɹi
PAWL-tree
pˈɔːltɹi
PAWL-tree
Definition
Very small, unimportant, or not enough to be useful or impressive. Often describes amounts of money or things considered not worth much.
Usage & Nuances
'Paltry' is formal and often slightly negative, showing disappointment or criticism ("a paltry sum"). Commonly used with amounts, achievements, or offerings. Not used for people; avoid in informal speech.
Spanish: insignificante - miserable - irrisorioPortuguese (BR): insignificante - irrisórioPortuguese (PT): insignificante - irrisórioChinese (Simplified): 微不足道的 - 很少的Chinese (Traditional): 微不足道的 - 很少的Hindi: तुच्छ - नगण्यArabic: ضئيل - تافهBengali: তুচ্ছ - অতি সামান্য - নগণ্যRussian: ничтожный - жалкий - мизерныйJapanese: わずかな - 取るに足りないVietnamese: nhỏ nhoi - ít ỏi - không đáng kểKorean: 보잘것없는 - 하찮은Turkish: değersiz - çok az - önemsizUrdu: حقیر - معمولی - تھوڑا ساIndonesian: sedikit sekali - tidak berarti - kecil
Example Sentences
He gave a paltry tip to the waiter.
basic
The company offered a paltry salary for the job.
basic
They collected a paltry amount of donations.
basic
All that work, and I got a paltry bonus at the end.
natural
The team’s efforts were rewarded with paltry recognition.
natural
I was hoping for a big slice, but they gave me this paltry piece of cake.
natural