adj
skimpy
SKIHM-pee
Skimpy (adj) means Too small, thin, or scanty; not generous in amount or coverage. Example: “The portion at that restaurant was pretty skimpy for the price.”
adj
1
Too small, thin, or scanty; not generous in amount or coverage.
"Desert Hearts is one of the high spots in the skimpy history of gay movies — and probably the high spot in the even more barren history of lesbian films."
— Michael Bronski, Two Views on Desert Hearts: Sexy? or simply Slow? (1986)
"The portion at that restaurant was pretty skimpy for the price."
"She wore a skimpy outfit to the beach party."
"They served a pretty skimpy portion of ice cream as the free birthday dessert."
"Food might be a tad skimpy in the portions."
— Toni Morrison, Jazz (1992)
How to use skimpy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNot enough — either too small an amount, or (of clothing) too little fabric.
Common pairings
skimpy outfit
skimpy portion
skimpy budget
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Word forms
- Plural
- skimpies
- Comparative
- skimpier
- Superlative
- skimpiest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The portion at that restaurant was pretty _____ for the price.
Etymology
From "skimp" plus "-y."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for skimpy
See all rhymes for skimpy →Frequently asked questions
What does “skimpy” mean?
The word “skimpy” means too small, thin, or scanty; not generous in amount or coverage. In plain terms, not enough — either too small an amount, or (of clothing) too little fabric.
How do you pronounce “skimpy”?
“Skimpy” is pronounced SKIHM-pee (/ˈskɪmpi/ in IPA).
How do you use “skimpy” in a sentence?
Here is “skimpy” used in a sentence: “The portion at that restaurant was pretty skimpy for the price.”
What part of speech is “skimpy”?
“Skimpy” is an adjective.
