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Definitions

meager

[mee-ger] / ˈmi gər /
ADJECTIVE
small, inadequate; poor
Synonyms
STRONGEST
insufficient mere minimum miserable paltry puny scant scanty skimpy sparse tenuous
STRONG
scrimpy
WEAK
bare barren deficient exiguous flimsy inappreciable inconsiderable infertile insubstantial little scrimp shabby short skimp slender slight spare subtle too little too late unfinished unfruitful unproductive wanting weak
Antonyms
STRONGEST
adequate ample enough generous plentiful rich significant substantial sufficient wealthy
WEAK
big fat full large liberal plenty wide
ADJECTIVE
very thin
Synonyms
STRONGEST
slim tenuous
WEAK
angular bare beanpole beanstalk bony broomstick emaciated gangling gangly gaunt hungry lacking lank lanky lean lithe little narrow rattleboned rawboned scraggy scrawny skin and bones skinny slender spare starved stinted stunted underfed wanting willowy withered
Antonyms
WEAK
adequate big fat full large liberal plenty substantial sufficient wide

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

City lawmakers proposed lengthy exemptions, which led to meager revenue estimations.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

In Africa, South Asia and the Middle East, the IMF warned that a number of countries were already struggling with meager foreign reserves and "limited market access," making them vulnerable to "dangerous" debt shocks.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

The family scraped by with meager income his mother obtained from such jobs as waitress and laundry worker.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

The nation’s trade deficit fell in 2025 by a meager 0.2% to $901.5 billion, but only due to a large and quirky increase in gold exports tied to U.S. tariff policy.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 19, 2026

It wasn't hard to imagine the refugees, huddled together with their meager belongings.

From "City of the Plague God" by Sarwat Chadda

Vocabulary lists containing meager

List 1

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Tuck Everlasting

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"Of Mice and Men"

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