measlier; measliest
informal + disapproving
: very small or too small in size or amount
He left a measly [=lousy] dime for a tip.
She complained about being given such a measly raise.
All I want is a few measly minutes of your time.
Cite this Entry
“Measly.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/measly. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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