scantily

[ skan-tuh-lee ]

adverb

1. to a barely sufficient degree; in a meager or barely adequate quantity or way:

   We ate in a room adorned with posters of various scantily clad models.

   The first pioneers arrived in the valley just before winter, worn out and scantily supplied with provisions.

Word History and Origins

Origin of scantily¹

First recorded in 1620–30; scanty ( def ) + -ly ( def )

Example Sentences

The majority of people eyeing the scantily dressed women behind the red neon windows are tourists.

From BBC

A spotlight shines on two glistening bodies facing off on the wrestling mat, each scantily clad and grappling to subdue the other in a takedown.

From Los Angeles Times

In 1980, Donald J. Trump made the front page of The New York Times after assaulting a pair of scantily clad women at a Fifth Avenue department store.

From New York Times

The tell, though, is in the position of the camera: We see Liane standing there, scantily clad and attempting to project confidence, from the perspective of the casting director, placing viewers in a compromised position.

From Los Angeles Times

More worryingly, the Guardian alleged that the director “pulled women to sit on his lap,” and “tried to kiss some of the topless and scantily clad female extras” during a nightclub scene.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• almost
• hardly
• scarcely