Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Stingy or miserly: Characterized by an unwillingness to spend money or use resources; giving or spending in a very small, reluctant, or petty manner.
   • Meager or scanty: Describing something provided in a grudgingly small or inadequate amount.

Usage

The word "niggardly" is a formal and somewhat old-fashioned term used to describe a person's character or an action that is extremely stingy. It is an adjective and can also function as an adverb (e.g., "to give niggardly"). It is important to note that this word is etymologically unrelated to any racial epithet, though its phonetic similarity has sometimes caused confusion and offense. Careful consideration of context is advised when using it.

Examples

• Adjective:

  • The landlord was niggardly with the heat, leaving the tenants cold all winter.
  • She received a niggardly portion of food for the high price she paid.
  • His niggardly attitude towards charity was well-known in the community.

• Adverb:

  • The funds were niggardly distributed among the departments.

Advanced Usage

• "niggardly" in literary or formal critique: Often used to describe not just money, but also abstract qualities like praise, sympathy, or opportunity given in a mean-spirited or insufficient way.
  • The critic was niggardly with his compliments, focusing only on the flaws.

Variants and Related Words

• Niggard (noun): A stingy or miserly person.
  • The old niggard hoarded his wealth and lived in poverty.
• Niggardliness (noun): The quality of being niggardly; stinginess.
  • The project failed due to the niggardliness of its funding.

Synonyms

• Stingy
• Miserly
• Parsimonious
• Penurious
• Tightfisted
• Cheap
• Mean (chiefly British English)

Antonyms

• Generous
• Lavish
• Munificent
• Open-handed
• Bountiful

Idioms and Phrases

• To be niggardly with something: To be very sparing or reluctant in giving a particular thing.
  • He was niggardly with his time, never offering to help.
• Niggardly praise: Praise that is given very sparingly or grudgingly.
  • The manager's niggardly praise did little to motivate the team.

Adjective

1. petty or reluctant in giving or spending
   • a niggardly tip