meager dinner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "meager dinner" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a dinner that is insufficient in quantity or quality, often implying that it is sparse or lacking in substance. Example: "After a long day of work, I was disappointed to find only a meager dinner waiting for me at home."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But baked tomatoes seemed meager for dinner.

The New York Times

Knowing that dinner, however meager, is still in the oven, is much better than fearing that the feast is over and the master is trying to figure out which of the dogs to throw the table scraps to.

Science Magazine

It's discouraging to go home to a dinner of meager calories, hoping to lose a few pounds, only to be confronted on TV with images of idealized bodies that are impossible for most of us to attain.

Huffington Post

Dinners were meager and the same thing would be served every night for weeks on end... sample menu: hot dogs and grits.

Huffington Post

Emerson made up for the meager $10 payment by inviting Very to his home for dinner.

Wikipedia

Backed up by his own wife, Susan, who's getting tired of his meager income, he contrives to meet Lucie Proctorr, takes her out to dinner and, in a sudden shocking scene, beats her to death.

The New York Times - Books

As I sat on the deck nursing a book and the fire cooking our dinner, the photovoltaic lights on the plastic tables on the patio winked on with meager yet thrillingly unexpected rays of light.

The New York Times - Travel

Meanwhile, Earn awaits a meager direct deposit to hit his account—$96 so he and Van can enjoy a night of dinner and conversation.

Vice

Dinner can easily run $85, without wine or tip, although there is a far from meager three-course set lunch for $37.50.

The New York Times - Food

But reasons for optimism increase too: Yasuo Kuniyoshi's "Strong Woman and Child" is exemplary in a symbolic sort of way, while "Peter Blume's "Vegetable Dinner" is encouraging in the way an obviously sophisticated woman is prepared to accept a meager meal at a time when vegetarianism wasn't in vogue.

The New York Times

Appetites were meager.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "meager dinner", consider the context. Is it due to poverty, dieting, or simply a preference for a light meal? This context will help you choose the most appropriate and evocative language.

Common error

Avoid using "meager dinner" when you actually mean a healthy or low-calorie dinner. "Meager" implies a lack or deficiency, not necessarily a conscious choice for health. Use "light dinner" or "small portion" instead to convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "meager dinner" functions as a noun phrase, where "meager" is an adjective modifying the noun "dinner". It serves to describe the quality or quantity of the dinner, indicating it is deficient or insufficient.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "meager dinner" describes a meal that is deficient in quantity or quality. Although it follows standard grammar rules, according to Ludwig AI there are no examples available. As the definition of the word suggests, the expression has a generally negative connotation as it implies a lack of abundance or satisfaction. Synonyms like "scant meal" or "sparse supper" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. When writing, be mindful of the context to ensure you are accurately portraying the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scant meal

Focuses on the insufficient quantity of the meal.

sparse supper

Emphasizes the simplicity and lack of variety in the dinner.

skimpy dinner

Suggests a lack of generosity or abundance in the meal.

paltry repast

Highlights the insignificance and poor quality of the meal.

insubstantial meal

Points out the lack of nourishment and filling quality.

minimal dinner

Stresses the extremely small portion size or lack of components.

poor dinner

Highlights the low quality and undesirable nature of the meal.

light dinner

Implies the meal is small and easy to digest, possibly by choice.

simple fare

Focuses on the plainness and lack of elaboration in the meal.

humble meal

Suggests the dinner is modest and unpretentious, possibly due to necessity.

FAQs

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

You can use "meager dinner" to describe a meal that is small, insufficient, or of poor quality. For example: "After the layoffs, the family was forced to subsist on "meager dinners"." or "The prisoner's only meal was a "meager dinner" of bread and water".

What are some synonyms for "meager dinner"?

Alternatives to "meager dinner" include "scant meal", "sparse supper", or "paltry repast". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "meager dinner" a negative term?

Yes, "meager dinner" generally has a negative connotation. It implies that the meal is insufficient or inadequate in some way. It suggests a lack of abundance or satisfaction.

What's the difference between "light dinner" and "meager dinner"?

"Light dinner" implies a small meal chosen intentionally, often for health reasons. A "meager dinner" suggests a small meal due to necessity or lack of resources. The key difference is intent and circumstance.