meager collection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "meager collection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or insufficient amount of items or resources that one has gathered or possesses. Example: "The museum's meager collection of artifacts left many visitors disappointed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

That meager collection of words -- about one-third the length of this column -- constituted the entire trial file for a death penalty case.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

This exhibition-as-department-store-makeup counter was sponsored by Shiseido, the Japanese cosmetics giant, and contained material drawn entirely from the company's archives, including ad campaigns and its meager art collection.

The New York Times - Arts

Oceanside's collection efforts were meager in comparison to Long Beach, because there were no individuals able to organize large-scale collection sites and manage the distribution of relief supplies.

Huffington Post

The ex-students face aggressive debt collection and garnishment of their meager wages.

Huffington Post

And they are democratic places, where the art can be (occasionally, carefully) handled and where someone with means as meager as mine can afford to build a little collection.

The New York Times - Arts

YOU'D NEVER KNOW BY LOOKING at his wine collection that a struggling graduate student we'll call Mike Kelly is subsisting on a meager $15,000 fellowship.

Forbes

Appetites were meager.

The New York Times

That looks meager.

The New York Times

The results were meager.

The New York Times

"Pill," Sharkey Meager said.

The New Yorker

But wages are meager.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "meager collection", consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the insufficiency or smallness of the collection. Alternatives like "limited assortment" or "scant accumulation" might be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "meager collection" when the collection is merely average or slightly below expectations. The term implies a significant deficiency, so reserve it for situations where the lack is truly notable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "meager collection" primarily functions as a noun phrase with an adjectival modifier ("meager"). It describes a collection that is small in quantity and insufficient in quality or amount. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "meager collection" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a collection that is both small and insufficient. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage in English writing. While not frequently encountered, it effectively conveys a sense of inadequacy, often appearing in news and media contexts. Consider alternatives like "limited assortment" or "scant accumulation" for subtle shifts in meaning, and ensure the term accurately reflects a notable deficiency. Avoid using "meager collection" if the small size isn't a significant issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited assortment

Focuses on the restricted variety or range within the collection.

scant accumulation

Highlights the sparse and gradual gathering of items.

small stockpile

Emphasizes the diminutive size of the collected resources or items.

paltry compilation

Stresses the insignificance or worthlessness of the collected items.

modest hoard

Implies a humble or unassuming collection, often kept secret.

sparse array

Underscores the scattered and thinly distributed nature of the items.

deficient inventory

Highlights the inadequacy of the collection to meet a specific need or demand.

minimal gathering

Emphasizes the small quantity and act of collecting.

restricted set

Indicates a limited and controlled group of items.

tiny accumulation

Focuses on the extremely small size of the accumulated items.

FAQs

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

You can use "meager collection" to describe a small or insufficient amount of collected items. For example: "The museum's "meager collection" of artifacts left many visitors disappointed."

What can I say instead of "meager collection"?

Alternatives to "meager collection" include "limited assortment", "scant accumulation", or "small stockpile", each emphasizing different aspects of the collection's deficiency.

Is "meager collection" a formal or informal phrase?

"Meager collection" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more commonly found in written or neutral contexts like news reports and articles.

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

"Meager collection" implies that the collection is not only small but also insufficient or disappointing in some way. "Small collection" simply indicates a limited size without necessarily implying inadequacy.