paltry
4 synonyms and 2 antonyms for paltry, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — So small in amount or value as to be almost insulting; trivial or worthless.
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 paltry
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a paltry sum
paltry excuse
paltry amount
Etymology
From Middle Low German paltrig ("ragged, worthless"), from a root meaning "rag" or "scrap of cloth" — the idea of something as worthless as a torn rag carried over into the modern sense of "trivial" or "insultingly small."
Full origin of paltry →Frequently asked questions
What does “paltry” mean?
The word “paltry” means so small in amount or value as to be almost insulting; trivial or worthless. In plain terms, describes an amount, effort, or excuse so small or weak that it feels almost disrespectful.
How do you pronounce “paltry”?
“Paltry” is pronounced POLT-ree (/ˈpɔltɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “paltry” in a sentence?
Here is “paltry” used in a sentence: “He was offered a paltry sum for the antique vase.”
What part of speech is “paltry”?
“Paltry” is an adjective.
Where does the word “paltry” come from?
The word “paltry” comes from German.
