measly
2 synonyms and 1 antonym for measly, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — So small an amount that it seems insulting or inadequate.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use measly
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
measly amount
measly sum
measly portion
Informal and usually used to express annoyance at how little something is.
Etymology
From measle (an old word for a skin blemish caused by measles or, in pigs, tapeworm cysts) plus -y; the sense shifted from "diseased/spotty" to "pathetically small".
Full origin of measly →Frequently asked questions
What does “measly” mean?
The word “measly” means so small an amount that it seems insulting or inadequate. In plain terms, disappointingly small or stingy in amount.
How do you pronounce “measly”?
“Measly” is pronounced MEEZ-lee (/ˈmizli/ in IPA).
How do you use “measly” in a sentence?
Here is “measly” used in a sentence: “He tipped the waiter a measly two dollars on a hundred-dollar bill.”
What part of speech is “measly”?
“Measly” is an adjective.
