WordGarden.iomeager
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /mˈiːɡə/
US
- /ˈmiɡər/
Meanings
Adjective
scant or not enough for what is needed
lacking richness, substance, or quality
Beyond the definition
Imagine a traveler lost in the desert with only a meager supply of water – just enough to survive, but barely. "Meager" describes something that is small in amount, poor in quality, or lacking in substance. It suggests scarcity and insufficiency. A meager harvest means farmers didn't grow much food. A meager salary might make it hard to pay the bills. Think of it as a little bit… but not nearly enough. You wouldn't describe a feast as meager; you'd use that word for something decidedly not abundant.
The word "meager" paints a picture of scarcity and inadequacy. It describes something that is limited in quantity or quality, falling short of what's needed or expected. Its roots come from the Middle English "megre," meaning thin or lean—hinting at a lack of fullness or richness.
You might describe a struggling artist's income as "meager," implying they earn very little money. A "meager portion" of food suggests you won't be getting much to eat. It can also apply to abstract things, like "a meager attempt," meaning an effort that lacked strength or effectiveness.
"Meager" isn't simply small; it carries a connotation of hardship and deficiency. While something might be "small but sufficient," a "meager" offering is always insufficient. Think of the story of Ebenezer Scrooge before his transformation—he lived a meager existence, focused on accumulating wealth rather than enjoying life's richness.
So, when you encounter "meager," remember it signifies not just a lack of quantity or quality, but a sense of being barely enough to sustain or satisfy—a whisper of want in the face of need.
Examples
- 1
Small meal
Dinner was just a bowl of soup and a few slices of bread, a meager meal after a long day.
- 2
Salary
She lived on a meager salary while she finished school.
- 3
Charity resources
The charity had to help hundreds of families with meager resources.
- 4
Evidence
Police found only meager evidence linking him to the theft.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Progress assessment
The team’s progress was meager at best.
- Phraseat best
even if you describe it in the most positive way
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- meageradjective