Meager

/ˈmiː.ɡər/ adjective

Definition

Meager describes something that is too small, thin, or limited in amount or quality. It often suggests that something is not enough to satisfy a need or expectation.

Etymology

From Old French “maigre” meaning 'thin, lean', from Latin “macer” 'lean, skinny'. It first described physical thinness and later extended to describe small or poor amounts of anything. The spelling shifted in English but the core idea of 'not much' stayed.

Kelly Says

Meager started out talking about skinny bodies, then got promoted to describe 'skinny' paychecks, meals, or supplies. When you say 'meager resources', you’re painting a picture of something starved and underfed.

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