Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Inadequate in size or amount; meager: Describes something that is insufficient, scanty, or barely enough, often implying a lack of generosity or fullness.
   • Containing little excess; barely sufficient: Describes something, like a budget or allowance, that is minimal and leaves little room for extras.

Usage

The adjective "skimpy" is used to describe nouns, indicating that the thing being described is lacking in quantity, size, or coverage. It often carries a negative connotation of being insufficient or stingy.

Examples

• Describing clothing: (The dress was very small and revealed a lot of skin.)
• Describing a portion or amount: (The serving of fries was disappointingly small.)
• Describing information or details: (The report lacked sufficient detail.)
• Describing a budget: (The budget was very tight and minimal.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be skimpy with something": to be stingy or not generous in providing something.
  • The company was skimpy with praise for its employees. (The company rarely gave praise.)
• "skimpy on": lacking a sufficient amount of something.
  • Don't be skimpy on the cheese for the pizza! (Don't use too little cheese.)

Variants and Related Words

• Skimpily (adverb): in a skimpy manner.
  • She was dressed skimpily for the cold weather.
• Skimp (verb): to spend, use, or provide less than is necessary or fair.
  • They skimp on ingredients to save money.
• Skimpiness (noun): the quality of being skimpy.
  • The skimpiness of the portions was noticeable.

Synonyms

• Meager: lacking in quantity or quality.
• Scanty: small or insufficient in amount.
• Inadequate: not enough or not good enough.
• Sparse: thinly dispersed or scattered; meager.

Antonyms

• Generous: larger or more plentiful than usual.
• Ample: enough or more than enough; plentiful.
• Lavish: sumptuously rich, elaborate, or luxurious.
• Abundant: existing or available in large quantities.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Skimp and save": to be very careful with money by spending as little as possible.
  • They had to skimp and save to afford the vacation.

Adjective

1. containing little excess
   • a lean budget
   • a skimpy allowance