measly Definition
- 1pathetically small or unimportant; not enough or of poor quality
- 2infested with parasites, especially lice
Using measly: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "measly" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He was paid a measly sum for his hard work.
Example
The restaurant served a measly portion of food.
Example
The company offered her a measly raise after years of service.
Example
The hotel room was infested with measly bedbugs.
measly Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for measly
Antonyms for measly
Phrases with measly
Example
The company offered a measly amount as compensation for the damages.
Example
Despite working long hours, he was paid a measly salary.
Example
His explanation for being late was a measly excuse.
Origins of measly
from Middle English 'mesel', meaning 'leprous', from Old French 'maiseli', from late Latin 'misellus', meaning 'wretched'
Summary: measly in Brief
The term 'measly' [ˈmiːzli] refers to something pathetically small or unimportant, often of poor quality. It can also refer to something infested with parasites, especially lice. Examples include 'He was paid a measly sum for his hard work,' and 'The hotel room was infested with measly bedbugs.' Phrases like 'measly amount' and 'measly salary' denote small or inadequate amounts, while 'measly excuse' refers to a weak and unconvincing excuse.