measly — contemptibly small in amount; very disappointing or inadequate
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: contemptibly small in amount; very disappointing or inadequate
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈmiːzli/
Example Sentences
- After working overtime for a month, I got a measly $50 bonus.
- The billionaire donated a measly $100 to charity and expected praise.
- She complained about the measly Wi-Fi speed in her mansion.
measly
ADJECTIVE[/ˈmiːzli/]
contemptibly small in amount; very disappointing or inadequate
a hardworking waiter opens an envelope expecting his weekly tip money after serving many customers. He pulls out just two crumpled dollar bills from what should have been a much larger payment. His face shows clear disappointment as he realizes how little he received for all his effort. The restaurant manager nearby shakes his head sympathetically while other staff members look on with understanding expressions. a contemptibly small amount that is very disappointing and inadequate
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From 'measles' (the disease) + '-y' suffix, originally describing pork infected with parasites that looked like measles spots. The meaning evolved from 'diseased/infected' to 'worthless' or 'pitifully small.'
Breakdown
measles (the viral disease) + -y (adjective suffix meaning 'having the quality of')
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“After working overtime for a month, I got a measly $50 bonus.”
“The billionaire donated a measly $100 to charity and expected praise.”
“She complained about the measly Wi-Fi speed in her mansion.”
“The exam had a measly five questions for three hours.”
📚Related Words
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