adj
paltry
POLT-ree
Paltry (adj) means So small in amount or value as to be almost insulting; trivial or worthless. Example: “He was offered a paltry sum for the antique vase.”
adj
1
So small in amount or value as to be almost insulting; trivial or worthless.
"He was offered a paltry sum for the antique vase."
"The company gave a paltry apology after the scandal."
How to use paltry
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes an amount, effort, or excuse so small or weak that it feels almost disrespectful.
Common pairings
a paltry sum
paltry excuse
paltry amount
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Word forms
- Comparative
- paltrier
- Superlative
- paltriest
Fill the gap
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He was offered a _____ sum for the antique vase.
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."
Synonyms
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Related words
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.
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