skimpier; skimpiest
: deficient in supply or execution especially through skimping : scanty
skimpily adverb
skimpiness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for skimpy

meager, scanty, scant, skimpy, spare, sparse mean falling short of what is normal, necessary, or desirable.

meager implies the absence of elements, qualities, or numbers necessary to a thing's richness, substance, or potency.

a meager portion of meat

scanty stresses insufficiency in amount, quantity, or extent.

supplies too scanty to last the winter

scant suggests a falling short of what is desired or desirable rather than of what is essential.

in January the daylight hours are scant

skimpy usually suggests niggardliness or penury as the cause of the deficiency.

tacky housing developments on skimpy lots

spare may suggest a slight falling short of adequacy or merely an absence of superfluity.

a spare, concise style of writing

sparse implies a thin scattering of units.

a sparse population

Examples of skimpy in a Sentence

the information in the user's manual for the microwave is skimpy and not particularly helpful
Recent Examples on the Web Currently, the jobless in North Carolina can only receive up to 12 weeks of state unemployment benefits, among the skimpiest in the nation. Tami Luhby, CNN, 21 Oct. 2024 Some consumer advocates are concerned the plans could result in skimpier, pricier coverage for certain consumers, especially sicker, older ones. CBS News, 2 Oct. 2024 Some believe in climbing into the auction with skimpy values; others want a sound hand. Frank Stewart, The Mercury News, 22 Sep. 2024 The dancers were of all shapes and sizes, dazzling in skimpy bodysuits, fishnets, garters, and headdresses with neon feathers and sequins. Maggie Shipstead, Travel + Leisure, 18 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for skimpy 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'skimpy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of skimpy was in 1842

Dictionary Entries Near skimpy

Cite this Entry

“Skimpy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skimpy. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

skimpy

adjective
skimpier; skimpiest
: barely enough : scanty
skimpily adverb
skimpiness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on skimpy

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