Measly — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈmēz-lē/ mea·sly

Meaning & Definition of Measly

Measly (adjective)

  1. infected with measles
  2. containing larval tapeworms
  3. infested with trichinae

Measly (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. so small or unimportant as to warrant little or no attention

    "offered her guest only one measly cookie"

    similar: chicken, de minimis, footling, inconsequential, inconsiderable, insignificant, Mickey Mouse, minute, negligible, niggling, no-account, nominal, paltry, peanut, petty, picayune, piddling, piddly, piffling, pimping, slight, trifling, trivial
    related: inferior, mean, imperceptible, inappreciable, little, puny, tiny, hairsplitting, nitpicking, pettifogging, quibbling, one-horse, small-fry, two-bit
    opposite: big, consequential, considerable, important, material, significant
    near: serious, substantial, weighty, eventful, momentous, pivotal, conspicuous, noteworthy, outstanding, prominent, remarkable, striking, appreciable, discernible, measurable

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Measly

The most common words with a similar meaning to Measly:

chicken, de minimis, footling, inconsequential, inconsiderable, insignificant, Mickey Mouse, minute, negligible, niggling, no-account, nominal, paltry, peanut, petty, picayune, piddling, piddly, piffling, pimping, slight, trifling, trivial

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Measly

Words with the opposite meaning of Measly:

big, consequential, considerable, important, material, significant

Related Words for Measly

inferior, mean, imperceptible, inappreciable, little, puny, tiny, hairsplitting, nitpicking, pettifogging, quibbling, one-horse, small-fry, two-bit

Near Antonyms of Measly

serious, substantial, weighty, eventful, momentous, pivotal, conspicuous, noteworthy, outstanding, prominent, remarkable, striking, appreciable, discernible, measurable

Word Forms of Measly

Inflections: measlier, measliest

Origin & Etymology of Measly

First known use: 1598

Frequently Asked Questions about Measly

What does "Measly" mean?

"Measly" means infected with measles. As an adjective, it is defined as: infected with measles.

What is another word for "Measly"?

Other words for "Measly" include chicken, de minimis, footling, inconsequential, inconsiderable, insignificant, Mickey Mouse and minute. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Measly" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Measly"?

There are 37 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Measly". Common alternatives include chicken, de minimis, footling, inconsequential, inconsiderable, insignificant, Mickey Mouse, minute, negligible and niggling.

What is the opposite of "Measly"?

Antonyms of "Measly" include big, consequential, considerable, important, material and significant. Near antonyms include serious, substantial, weighty and eventful.

How do you use "Measly" in a sentence?

Examples of "Measly" in a sentence: "offered her guest only one measly cookie".

Is "Measly" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Measly" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Measly"?

"Measly" is pronounced /ˈmēz-lē/ and divided into syllables as mea·sly.

What is the origin of the word "Measly"?

First known use: 1598.