pickings

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.

But for 2½ hours she got the error message and could not access the pool of tickets until 12:30 p.m., by which time, she said, “the pickings were slim.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

But for those who poured in to see eight-time Ballon d'Or-winner Messi there were slim pickings, as the tightly marked 38-year-old failed to get a shot on target despite Miami dominating possession.

From Barron's • Feb. 22, 2026

Squirrels should be smart enough to take the easy pickings over the puzzle box.

From Slate • Jan. 25, 2026

“There are slimmer pickings, and I think a lot of the opportunities that were historically available are harder to come by,” he said, regarding funding.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 29, 2025

They've had lean pickings, this raggedy pair of highwaymen, Jemmy thought.

From "The Whipping Boy" by Sid Fleischman