a very small or inadequate amount of money paid to someone as an allowance or wage, a small amount of something

Formal and Informal Expressions of pittance

In different contexts, you can replace 'pittance' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'allowance, remuneration' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'peanuts, chump change' is a commonplace synonym.

pittance: Explore its Definition & Usage

pittance Definition

1a very small or inadequate amount of money paid to someone as an allowance or wage
2a small amount of something

Using pittance: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "pittance" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
He was paid a pittance for his work.
Example
The company offered her a pittance in compensation for the damage caused.
Example
I only received a pittance of the total amount.

pittance Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for pittance

Antonyms for pittance

Phrases with pittance

earn a pittance
to receive very little money for one's work
Example
Despite working long hours, he earned a pittance and struggled to make ends meet.
living on a pittance
to live with very little money
Example
After losing his job, he had to live on a pittance until he found another one.
a pittance compared to
a small amount when compared to something else
Example
The amount they offered me was a pittance compared to what I was expecting.

Origins of pittance

from Old French 'pitance', meaning 'allowance of food'

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Summary: pittance in Brief

'Pittance' [ˈpɪtəns] refers to a very small or inadequate amount of money or something else. It is often used to describe low wages or compensation, as in 'He was paid a pittance for his work.' The phrase 'earn a pittance' means to receive very little money for one's work. 'Living on a pittance' means to live with very little money. 'A pittance compared to' is used to describe a small amount when compared to something else.