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paltry

[pawl-tree] / ˈpɔl tri /


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.

Net foreign direct investment in the fiscal year that ended March 31 was a paltry $7.7 billion, down from $28 billion three years earlier.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

It still was far from their worst defensive showing of the season, and mostly they couldn’t claw their way back with a paltry 30.8% from the field.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2026

Bogle took the opportunity, paltry as it was.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

"It's a paltry sum when you think about the number of households on heating oil," he said.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

It's a paltry amount of power, compared to what the rover consumes, but it's not nothing.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir




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