puny
word
Definition
Very small, weak, or not impressive in size, strength, or importance.
Usage & Nuances
'Puny' is negative and slightly informal, often describing physical weakness (like a person or animal), but can also describe something unimpressive (like a 'puny effort'). Commonly used for contrast ('puny compared to...'). Avoid using about people unless you intend criticism.
Spanish: débil - enclenquePortuguese (BR): fraco - mirradoPortuguese (PT): fraco - franzinoChinese (Simplified): 瘦弱的 - 微不足道的Chinese (Traditional): 瘦弱的 - 微不足道的Hindi: कमज़ोर - दुर्बलArabic: ضعيف - هزيلBengali: দুর্বল - ক্ষীণ - তুচ্ছRussian: щуплый - хилый - жалкийJapanese: 貧弱な - か弱いVietnamese: yếu ớt - nhỏ bé - không đáng kểKorean: 왜소한 - 빈약한Turkish: cılız - güçsüz - önemsizUrdu: کمزور - نحیف - معمولیIndonesian: lemah - kecil - tidak berarti
Example Sentences
He looks so puny next to his older brother.
basic
The kitten was too puny to climb the stairs.
basic
That was a puny meal; I'm still hungry.
basic
My phone's battery is pretty puny compared to yours.
natural
He gave a puny excuse for being late, and no one believed it.
natural
This old car feels puny whenever I try to drive up a hill.
natural