Learn how to use the comparative “stingier” and superlative “stingiest” with example sentences and differences.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Comparative adjectives help us to describe how good or bad something is when compared to something else. For example, something is taller than something else. Superlative adjectives help us to describe something as having the most or least of a particular characteristic within a group. This makes it easier and more accurate to talk about and compare things.

What is the comparative form of “stingy”?

The comparative form of “stingy” is “stingier”.

Example

He became stingier with his money as he got older.

Example

She is stingier with her compliments than her sister.

What is the superlative form of “stingy”?

The superlative form of “stingy” is “stingiest”.

Example

Among all my friends, he is the stingiest when it comes to buying gifts.

Example

The company has earned a reputation for being the stingiest employer in town.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

'Most' and 'more' are generally not used with stingy, stingier, and stingiest. They’re considered regular comparatives and superlatives. The forms 'more stingy' and 'most stingy' are not used because they sound awkward. Instead, stingier and stingiest are the correct and preferred forms to use.

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

Stingy does not have an irregular comparative or superlative form. It follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: StingyStingier Superlative: StingyStingiest

Expressions with similar meanings to “stingier”

Used to describe someone who is extremely stingy or unwilling to spend money

Example

The miserly old man refused to give any money to charity.

tight-fisted

Similar to stingy, this emphasizes a reluctance to spend money

Example

He was known for being tight-fisted and never treating his friends to dinner.

penny-pinching

Used to describe someone who is excessively frugal or thrifty

Example

Her penny-pinching ways meant she rarely splurged on anything.

Expressions with similar meanings to “stingiest”

Similar to stingiest, this emphasizes extreme stinginess

Example

The most miserly person I know refuses to spend money on anything.

tightest-fisted

Similar to stingiest, this emphasizes an extreme reluctance to spend money

Example

The company has gained a reputation for being the tightest-fisted employer in the industry.

most penny-pinching

Similar to stingiest, this emphasizes excessive frugality or thriftiness

Example

Her most penny-pinching habits meant she rarely treated herself to anything.

Using than with comparative “stingier”

When using the comparative form stingier to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "He is stingier with his money than his brother." Here, than is used to show that the level of stinginess with 'his' money is greater than the level of stinginess with his brother's money.

How can I use this expression in context?

“stingier” and “stingiest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Money

    He became stingier with his spending after losing his job.

    He became stingier with his spending after losing his job.

  • 2Gifts

    She is known for being stingier with her presents than her friends.

    She is known for being stingier with her presents than her friends.

  • 3Hospitality

    The hotel was criticized for being the stingiest in terms of providing amenities.

    The hotel was criticized for being the stingiest in terms of providing amenities.

  • 4Charity

    The billionaire was labeled the stingiest donor in the city.

    The billionaire was labeled the stingiest donor in the city.

  • 5Resources

    The company is notorious for being the stingiest with office supplies.

    The company is notorious for being the stingiest with office supplies.

Related idioms and phrases

Penny wise, pound foolish

To be careful with small amounts of money but wasteful with larger amounts.

Example

He always buys the cheapest products, but ends up spending more in the long run. Penny wise, pound foolish.

Tighten one's belt

To reduce spending or live more frugally.

Example

After losing his job, he had to tighten his belt and cut back on expenses.

Pinch pennies

To be very frugal or thrifty with money.

Example

They had to pinch pennies to save enough for their dream vacation.

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