adj

measly

MEEZ-lee

Measly (adj) means So small an amount that it seems insulting or inadequate. Example: “He tipped the waiter a measly two dollars on a hundred-dollar bill.”

adj

So small an amount that it seems insulting or inadequate.

"He tipped the waiter a measly two dollars on a hundred-dollar bill."

"All that work for a measly paycheck."

How to use measly

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDisappointingly small or stingy in amount.

When to use it

Informal and usually used to express annoyance at how little something is.

Common pairings

measly amount measly sum measly portion

Word forms

measlier comparative, measliest superlative

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “measly” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He tipped the waiter a _____ two dollars on a hundred-dollar bill.

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".

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.