measly

[ mee-zlee ]

adjective

, mea·sli·er, mea·sli·est.

1. Informal.
   1. contemptibly small, meager, or slight:

      They paid me a measly fifteen dollars for a day's work.

   2. wretchedly bad or unsatisfactory:

      a measly performance.

2. infected with measles, as an animal or its flesh.
3. pertaining to or resembling measles.

measly

/ ˈmiːzlɪ /

adjective

1. informal.
   meagre in quality or quantity
2. (of meat) measled
3. having or relating to measles

Word History and Origins

Origin of measly¹

First recorded in 1680–90; measl(es) + -y ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of measly¹

C17: see measles

Example Sentences

Yet according to a recent report by the United Nations agency tasked with tackling global warming, the planet is currently on track to just hit a measly 2.6% reduction in carbon emissions.

From Salon

Lead plaintiff Anna Tollison said she spent $7.61 for a Subway Steak & Cheese Sandwich that contained a measly amount of beef.

From Salon

Not with its defense dominating, holding Utah State to a measly 101 yards in the half.

From Los Angeles Times

They did close out their measly $1,500 invoice with us and I truly believe I was the last person to get paid by them.

From Los Angeles Times

Yet you would never know it from David’s measly Emmy count.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• meager
• miserable
• miserly
• paltry
• pitiful
• puny