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Showing results for paltry. Search instead for paltri.
Definitions

paltry

[pawl-tree] / ˈpɔl tri /
ADJECTIVE
poor; worthless
Synonyms
STRONGEST
insignificant meager measly miserable pitiful puny trivial
WEAK
base beggarly cheap common contemptible derisory despicable inconsiderable ineffectual limited low low-down mean minor narrow petty picayune piddling set shabby shoddy sleazy slight small sorry trashy trifling unconsequential unimportant vile wretched
Antonyms
STRONGEST
big consequential happy important large plenty significant substantial sufficient valuable worthwhile
WEAK
rich wealthy worthy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Prisoners were allowed to slowly build up the paltry offerings of its libraries.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

Against Ireland a fortnight ago, England made 16 visits to the opposition 22, but returned with a relatively paltry 21 points.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026

Such a paltry move, in the wake of a surprisingly strong U.S. monthly jobs report that hammered bets on Federal Reserve rate cuts, suggests a market that continues to search for direction.

From Barron's • Feb. 12, 2026

Any freelance journalist who finds herself despairing over the paltry rates that today’s assigning editors are offering might want to familiarize herself with Fanny Fern before her next negotiation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 27, 2026

We slept, therefore, upon benches next to paltry flames.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson