miserly

[ mahy-zer-lee ]

adjective

1. of, like, or befitting a miser; penurious; stingy.

   Synonyms: parsimonious, cheap

   Antonyms: generous

miserly

/ ˈmaɪzəlɪ /

adjective

1. of or resembling a miser; avaricious

Derived Forms

• ˈmiserliness, noun

Other Words From

• miser·li·ness noun
• un·miser·ly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of miserly¹

First recorded in 1585–95; miser + -ly

Synonym Study

See stingy ¹.

Example Sentences

Wood, on his return to the England side after missing the second Test, was the pick of the bowlers with 3-69, well supported by the miserly James Anderson.

From BBC

He was excellent throughout - controlled, skilful and miserly.

From BBC

"He was travelling back from Tewkesbury in the rain but he was too miserly to pay for a carriage so he decided to walk," said Mr Smith.

From BBC

Liverpool and Boston may be separated by an ocean but are united by a common complaint from a section of supporters - that miserly ownership is holding their team back.

From BBC

There’s my voice saying all the words I miserly held close while he was alive, asking him question after question even as I know each will go unanswered.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• tightfisted