paltry

pal·try

adj \ˈpȯl-trē\

pal·tri·erpal·tri·est

Definition of PALTRY

1

: inferior, trashy

2

: mean, despicable <a paltry trick>

3

: trivial <a paltry excuse>

4

: meager, measly <made a paltry donation>

— pal·tri·ness noun

Examples of PALTRY

1. <a paltry, underhanded scheme to get someone fired>
2. <the hotel's shabby, outdated exercise room was its paltry attempt at a health spa>

Origin of PALTRY

obsolete paltry trash, from dialect palt, pelt piece of coarse cloth, trash; akin to Middle Low German palte rag

First Known Use: 1570

Related to PALTRY

Synonyms: cheap, cruddy, deplorable, despicable, dirty, grubby, lame, lousy, mean, nasty, contemptible, pitiable, pitiful, ratty, scabby, scummy, scurvy, sneaking, sorry, wretched

Antonyms: admirable, commendable, creditable, laudable, meritorious, praiseworthy

Related Words: abhorrent, abominable, condemnable, detestable, execrable, hateful, loathsome, odious; disgusting, reptilian, repugnant, repulsive, revolting, revulsive; discreditable, disgraceful, dishonorable, disreputable, ignominious, shameful; base, ignoble, low, shabby, sordid, squalid, vile; blamable, censurable, reprehensible, reproachable; cowardly, craven, dastardly; unethical, unprincipled, unscrupulous

Near Antonyms: high-minded, honest, honorable, noble, principled, redoubtable, reputable, right-minded, scrupulous, upright; ethical, good, moral, right, righteous, virtuous

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide