What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
meagre
Example
The family survived on a meagre income for years. [meagre: adjective]
Example
The soup was meagre and lacked flavor. [meagre: adjective]
paltry
Example
The company offered a paltry sum as compensation for the damages. [paltry: adjective]
Example
He was disappointed with the paltry selection of books at the library. [paltry: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Meagre is less common than paltry in everyday language, but is still widely used in British English. Paltry is more versatile and can be used in various contexts, making it more common in American English.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between meagre and paltry?
While meagre is more formal and can be used in formal contexts, paltry is more informal and is often used in casual conversation or writing.
