What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
paltry
Example
The company offered a paltry salary for the position. [paltry: adjective]
Example
The amount of food they served was paltry and unsatisfying. [paltry: adjective]
scanty
Example
The hotel provided scanty towels for their guests. [scanty: adjective]
Example
Her knowledge of the subject was scanty and incomplete. [scanty: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scanty is less common than paltry in everyday language. Paltry is more versatile and covers a wider range of contexts, while scanty is more specific and used in more formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between paltry and scanty?
Both paltry and scanty are typically used in formal contexts, but scanty may be considered more formal due to its Latin origin and less common usage.
