measly
word
Definition
Very small in amount or unimportant, often used to show that something is disappointing or not enough.
Usage & Nuances
Always informal, often shows annoyance or disappointment. Common collocations: 'a measly amount', 'a measly salary', 'only a measly'. Not used for people—describes things or amounts. Similar to 'pitiful' or 'paltry', but more negative in tone.
Spanish: miserable - insignificantePortuguese (BR): miserável - insignificantePortuguese (PT): miserável - insignificanteChinese (Simplified): 微不足道的 - 可怜的Chinese (Traditional): 微不足道的 - 可憐的Hindi: नगण्य - तुच्छArabic: تافه - ضئيلBengali: তুচ্ছ - নগণ্যRussian: ничтожный - жалкийJapanese: わずかな - みすぼらしいVietnamese: nhỏ xíu - ít ỏi - bèo bọtKorean: 쥐꼬리만한 - 보잘것없는Turkish: üç kuruşluk - küçücük - önemsizUrdu: حقیر - معمولی - انتہائی کمIndonesian: kecil sekali - sepele - receh
Example Sentences
He gave me a measly dollar for all my work.
basic
He got a measly grade on his test.
basic
We only had a measly piece of cake left.
basic
I saved all month and ended up with a measly twenty bucks.
natural
Is that all we get? Just this measly slice?
natural
After taxes, my bonus shrank to a measly amount.
natural