meager details

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "meager details" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where information is insufficient or lacking in substance. Example: "The report provided meager details about the project's progress, leaving many questions unanswered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The current system, the activists say, is one in which the meager details of clinical trials published in medical journals, often by authors with financial ties to the companies whose drugs they are writing about, is insufficient to the point of being misleading.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Earlier that day, the government had rescinded Ms Cáceres's meager security detail, leaving her unprotected.

The Guardian - Opinion

Details were meager but should be announced on Friday, when the agreement is expected to be completed.

Los Angeles Times

The document is so meager and sketchy in details that it is impossible to determine what impact, positive or negative, the project would have on the mesa's sensitive wildlife.

Los Angeles Times

Incidentally, tangled with one of those phone cords was the power cord to the station's meager security system, a screwy detail that would later endanger Sara's chances for justice.

Vice

Wolff suggests new sets of biographical connections, convincingly speculates in the face of meager evidence and scrupulously accumulates the details of daily life.

The New York Times - Books

But your yield from this point forward is very meager.

Forbes

That's a lot of mouths to feed, and Ms. Ziegelman details not merely how the Jews from Russia stocked their meager kitchens, but also how immigrants from Italy, Germany and Ireland did so as well.

The New York Times - Books

Those details, among many Jane provided in a heart-wrenching blog about the difficulties she faced living on her meager salary, aren't unique.

TechCrunch

Appetites were meager.

The New York Times

That looks meager.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "meager details", ensure the context clearly indicates that the lack of information is a problem or deficiency. For example, "The investigation stalled due to the meager details provided by witnesses."

Common error

Avoid using "meager details" when simply indicating brevity, not necessarily a deficiency. Instead of "The summary provided meager details", which implies something is missing, consider "The summary provided brief details" if the intention is to simply state the summary was short but adequate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "meager details" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where 'meager' modifies 'details' to indicate a lack of substance or completeness. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes situations where information is insufficient.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "meager details" is a phrase used to describe situations where information is insufficient or lacking in substance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and identifies its primary usage in news and media contexts. Alternatives include "scant details" and "limited information". When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a deficiency in the information provided, and be mindful of the tone it conveys. While the frequency of the phrase is low, its meaning is consistently clear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scant details

Emphasizes the insufficiency and limited quantity of information provided.

limited information

Focuses on the restricted amount of data available.

sparse particulars

Highlights the rarity and incompleteness of specific items of information.

sketchy information

Suggests the information is incomplete and possibly unreliable.

paltry details

Implies the details are insignificant or worthless.

minimal data

Focuses on the small amount of data presented.

incomplete briefing

Highlights that the provided information is not exhaustive.

insufficient disclosure

Emphasizes the lack of transparency or revelation of necessary information.

superficial account

Suggests the information lacks depth and thoroughness.

thin description

Highlights the lack of substance and elaboration in the information provided.

FAQs

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

Use "meager details" to describe situations where information is scarce or insufficient. For example: "The report provided only "meager details", making it difficult to assess the project's progress".

What are some alternatives to "meager details"?

Alternatives include "scant details", "limited information", or "sparse particulars", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "meager details" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when criticizing a lack of sufficient information. However, ensure the tone remains professional and objective.

What does "meager details" imply?

"Meager details" implies that the amount of information available is not only small but also inadequate or disappointing, suggesting a deficiency or lack of thoroughness.