Scanty — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈskan-tē/

Meaning & Definition of Scanty

Scanty (adjective)

  1. limited or less than sufficient in degree, quantity, or extent

Scanty (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. less plentiful than what is normal, necessary, or desirable

    "the camera's scanty instructions left me somewhat confused"

    similar: exiguous, hand-to-mouth, light, meager, poor, scant, scarce, skimp, skimpy, slender, slim, spare, sparing, sparse, stingy, thin on the ground
    related: deficient, inadequate, insufficient, lacking, short, wanting, bare, bare-bones, least, littlest, lowest, mere, minimal, slightest, slight, small, thin, barren, infertile, sterile, unfruitful, unproductive
    opposite: abundant, ample, bountiful, copious, generous, liberal, plenteous, plentiful
    near: adequate, enough, satisfactory, sufficient, tolerable, fat, fecund, fertile, fruitful, prolific, rich, lavish, luxuriant, blooming, bursting, flourishing, proliferative, swarming, teeming, thriving, excess, extra, surplus

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Scanty

The most common words with a similar meaning to Scanty:

exiguous, hand-to-mouth, light, meager, poor, scant, scarce, skimp, skimpy, slender, slim, spare, sparing, sparse, stingy, thin on the ground

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Scanty

Words with the opposite meaning of Scanty:

abundant, ample, bountiful, copious, generous, liberal, plenteous, plentiful

Related Words for Scanty

deficient, inadequate, insufficient, lacking, short, wanting, bare, bare-bones, least, littlest, lowest, mere, minimal, slightest, slight, small, thin, barren, infertile, sterile, unfruitful, unproductive

Near Antonyms of Scanty

adequate, enough, satisfactory, sufficient, tolerable, fat, fecund, fertile, fruitful, prolific, rich, lavish, luxuriant, blooming, bursting, flourishing, proliferative, swarming, teeming, thriving, excess, extra, surplus

Word Forms of Scanty

Inflections: scantier, scantiest

Derived words: scantily (adverb), scantiness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Scanty

English dialect scant scanty supply, from Middle English, from Old Norse skamt, from neuter of skammr short

First known use: 1582

Frequently Asked Questions about Scanty

What does "Scanty" mean?

"Scanty" means limited or less than sufficient in degree, quantity, or extent. As an adjective, it is defined as: limited or less than sufficient in degree, quantity, or extent.

What is another word for "Scanty"?

Other words for "Scanty" include exiguous, hand-to-mouth, light, meager, poor, scant, scarce and skimp. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Scanty" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Scanty"?

There are 38 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Scanty". Common alternatives include exiguous, hand-to-mouth, light, meager, poor, scant, scarce, skimp, skimpy and slender.

What is the opposite of "Scanty"?

Antonyms of "Scanty" include abundant, ample, bountiful, copious, generous, liberal, plenteous and plentiful. Near antonyms include adequate, enough, satisfactory and sufficient.

How do you use "Scanty" in a sentence?

Examples of "Scanty" in a sentence: "the camera's scanty instructions left me somewhat confused".

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

"Scanty" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Scanty"?

"Scanty" is pronounced /ˈskan-tē/.

What is the origin of the word "Scanty"?

"Scanty" comes from English dialect scant scanty supply, from Middle English, from Old Norse skamt, from neuter of skammr short. First known use: 1582.