a paltry one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a paltry one" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is considered insignificant, meager, or lacking in value. Example: "The donation he made to the charity was a paltry one, hardly enough to make a difference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Not to mention a paltry one hour in the making.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Now they have a paltry one seat outside England.

The New York Times

As for higher education, a paltry one in a hundred refugee children makes it that far.

The Guardian

So what was the real reason England flew home from the World Cup with a paltry one point from three group matches?

The Guardian

"Improving the average S.U.V.'s fuel economy by a paltry one and a half miles a gallon would save less than 3percentt of the oil we already import from Iraq," Senator Kerry said.

The New York Times

The likely purchase price is a paltry one, compared to the $165 million it raised (at a $1 billion valuation) just over a year ago.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

But $43.4 million of that sum was distributed to inventors; the net income amounted to a paltry one-half of 1% of the UC system's total operating budget of $27 billion.

Los Angeles Times

Even the sad-sack banks like Citigroup, which flunked its test last year, and Bank of America, which has been paying a paltry one-cent dividend since the crisis, will be allowed to give away more money, Bloomberg figures.

Huffington Post

If by some happenstance you beat the odds for the largest lottery jackpot in U.S. history (a paltry one-in-292.2 one-in-292.2 one-in-292.2 well done, you!

Huffington Post

According to the indictment, the sum which seems like a pretty paltry one for such a delicate matter changed hands on Tuesday.

Vice

Yet he loved me despite the paltry one I had.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a paltry one", ensure the context clearly establishes what the amount or item is being compared to. This helps highlight the degree of inadequacy and enhances the phrase's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a paltry one" when you simply mean something is 'small'. This phrase carries a connotation of disappointment or inadequacy, not just size. Ensure the context warrants this stronger, more negative implication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a paltry one" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, emphasizing its insufficiency or insignificance. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe something lacking in value or importance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a paltry one" is a grammatically sound and usable expression for describing something as surprisingly small or inadequate. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is typically used in news and media contexts to express disappointment or criticism. When writing, ensure that the context warrants the negative connotation of the phrase, as it implies more than just small size; it suggests a deficiency or lack of value compared to expectations. Remember, "a paltry one" adds a layer of judgment to your description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a meager amount

Emphasizes insufficiency or lack of abundance.

a trifling sum

Highlights the insignificance or triviality of the quantity.

a minimal quantity

Focuses on the extremely small or reduced nature of the amount.

a scant measure

Stresses the barely sufficient or inadequate quality of the measure.

an insignificant number

Underscores the lack of importance due to the small quantity.

a negligible quantity

Highlights that the quantity is so small it can be disregarded.

a derisory amount

Suggests the amount is so small it is almost laughable.

a chickenfeed sum

Informal phrase indicating a very small and inadequate amount, like feed for chickens.

a pittance

Implies the amount is extremely small and often inadequate.

a trivial portion

Highlights that the portion is small and unimportant.

FAQs

How can I use "a paltry one" in a sentence?

You can use "a paltry one" to describe something that is surprisingly small or insufficient. For example, "The raise he received was "a paltry one", especially considering his contributions to the company."

What are some alternatives to "a paltry one"?

Some alternatives to "a paltry one" include "a meager amount", "a trifling sum", or "an insignificant number". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always negative to use "a paltry one"?

Yes, using "a paltry one" generally carries a negative connotation. It suggests that something is not only small but also disappointing or inadequate. Consider alternatives like "small" or "minor" if you don't intend to convey this negativity.

What makes "a paltry one" different from "a small one"?

"A small one" simply describes size. "A paltry one", on the other hand, implies that something is so small that it is inadequate or disappointing. It adds a layer of judgment or dissatisfaction to the description.