meager amount

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "meager amount" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is a common phrase used to describe a small or insufficient quantity of something. Example: Despite working long hours, the farmers only earned a meager amount from their crops. In this sentence, "meager amount" is used to describe the small amount of money the farmers earned from their crops.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

The meager amount that parents will receive from vouchers will not buy quality private education.

The New York Times

The nation cannot advance, he has said, on the meager amount of capital that domestic businesses generate.

The New York Times

Since April, Ms. Jackson has managed to save just $800, a meager amount that illustrates the futility of her efforts.

The New York Times

No doubt you'll find tales that our body armor is in short supply, and that the meager amount of gear we do possess is ineffective.

The New York Times

But according to India's Planning Commission, which is charged with measuring such things, anyone spending more than that meager amount is considered to be above the poverty line.

The New York Times

He has pulled in more than $250,000 online in recent days, exceeding a campaign goal, but a meager amount by the standards of modern campaigns.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

By comparison, the publicly traded hedge funds paid their C.E.O.'s relatively meager amounts.

The New York Times

In one experimental investing game involving four players, for example, people pay to punish others who contribute meager amounts to the shared investment pool.

The New York Times - Science

We suggest that microbial species exquisitely adapted to survive with meager amounts of liquid water7 quickly perished from osmotic shock after the flooding.

Nature

Candidates have been abandoning the public financing system in droves as they compare the meager amounts they can receive with the enormous sums they can rake in from unrestricted access to private donors.

The New York Times

Here we show that the sudden and massive input of water in regions that have remained hyperarid for millions of years is harmful for most of the surface soil microbial species, which are exquisitely adapted to survive with meager amounts of liquid water, and quickly perish from osmotic shock when water becomes suddenly abundant.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "meager amount", ensure the context clearly indicates what the amount is insufficient for. This adds precision and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "meager amount" when you intend to describe a sufficient or generous quantity. The term inherently implies a deficiency or lack.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "meager amount" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It modifies an abstract noun or uncountable noun, indicating a limited or insufficient quantity of something, aligning with examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

25%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "meager amount" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to express that a quantity is disappointingly small or insufficient. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage is generally considered correct and frequent, particularly in contexts such as news reporting, scientific studies, and academic writing. While understood in informal settings, it leans towards a more neutral and formal register due to its critical and precise nature. When using "meager amount", ensure that the context clearly defines the deficiency and consider alternatives like "scarce amount" or "insufficient quantity" to achieve the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scarce amount

Emphasizes the limited availability or rarity of the quantity.

small amount

A more neutral and general way to describe a reduced quantity.

limited quantity

Focuses on the restriction or constraint of the amount available.

paltry sum

Indicates the amount is not only small but also insignificant or worthless, usually referring to money.

insufficient quantity

Highlights the inadequacy of the amount for a particular purpose.

tiny quantity

Stresses the extremely small size of the amount.

minimal amount

Highlights that the amount is the smallest possible or acceptable.

scant quantity

Emphasizes the deficiency and lack of the amount.

modest quantity

Indicates the amount is humble and unassuming, often used in formal contexts.

trifling amount

Suggests the amount is so small it's almost not worth considering.

FAQs

How can I use "meager amount" in a sentence?

You can use "meager amount" to describe a quantity that is small or insufficient. For example: "Despite working hard, they received only a "meager amount" of compensation."

What are some alternatives to "meager amount"?

You can use alternatives like "scarce amount", "small amount", or "insufficient quantity" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "meager amount" in formal writing?

Yes, "meager amount" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when you need to convey a sense of scarcity or inadequacy. It is frequently used in news and academic contexts.

What's the difference between "meager amount" and "small amount"?

"Small amount" is a neutral term indicating quantity, while "meager amount" suggests the quantity is disappointingly or unacceptably small, implying a sense of deficiency or lack.