measly

adjective

mea·​sly ˈmēz-lē 

ˈmē-zə-

measlier; measliest

1

: infected with measles

2

a

: containing larval tapeworms

b

: infested with trichinae

3

: contemptibly small

offering a measly salary

Synonyms of measly

• nominal
• slight
• tiny
• paltry

Examples of measly in a Sentence

She complained about being given such a measly raise.

All I want is a few measly minutes of your time.

Recent Examples on the Web

While billionaires are getting richer, Americans are scraping by on their measly paychecks. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2025

In the midst of a winless homestand, all the Wild needed to do Thursday night was win one measly period. —Michael Russo, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025

Cost-wise, our local Costco sells a package of five servings (10 egg bites total) for $12.79, putting your new favorite breakfast at a measly $2.55 per serving. —Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025

Scarlet won’t stand for that sexist nonsense and socks it to a measly prince who breaks off their weak engagement in front of a lot of people at a ball. —Randy Myers, Mercury News, 10 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

measly

adjective

mea·​sly ˈmēz-(ə-)lē 

measlier; measliest

: so small or unimportant as to deserve scorn

left a measly nickel tip

Medical Definition

measly

adjective

mea·​sly ˈmēz-(ə-)lē 

measlier; measliest

1

: infected with measles

2

a

: containing larval tapeworms

b

: infected with trichinae