meager evidence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "meager evidence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where the amount of evidence available is insufficient or lacking in quantity or quality. Example: "The investigation was hampered by meager evidence, making it difficult to draw any definitive conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Apparently, there is meager evidence to support that, too.

The New York Times

This is a progression that offers meager evidence either for evolution or for intelligent design.

The New Yorker

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 there's a difference between dogged reporting and reporting that pretends even the most meager evidence — loose paraphrases, faded memories, suggestions — is definitive proof.

The New Yorker

Mr. Eagleton shook the pan a few years ago when he accused Martin Amis, on meager evidence, of being an Islamophobe.

The New York Times - Books

Given the meager evidence available, we cannot hope to settle the matter.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

While urban design theory offers numerous suggestions for successful streetscapes there is meager empirical evidence of their effects.

Landscape and Urban Planning

However, what he really has in mind here is (far more sensibly) a process of hypothesis, based on meager empirical evidence, but also going well beyond it, and therefore vulnerable to subsequent falsification, and abandonment or revision if falsified.

SEP

The meager histological evidence provided is not very compelling, however.

eLife

Despite meager scientific evidence, emphasis on availability of natural light in the ICU environment is universal [ 35].

Critical Care

The above inferences were, however, based on meager genetic evidence and very few Austro-Asiatic populations (a maximum of 3) were included in those studies.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "meager evidence", ensure you clearly articulate the implications of the lack of substantial proof and highlight any alternative interpretations or possibilities.

Common error

Avoid making definitive claims or drawing strong conclusions when the available evidence is "meager". Instead, acknowledge the limitations and present your findings as tentative or preliminary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "meager evidence" functions as a noun phrase, where "meager" modifies the noun "evidence". It describes the quantity or quality of evidence available, often implying it is insufficient. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "meager evidence" is a valid and useful phrase to describe a situation where the available evidence is lacking in quantity or quality. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and its frequency is uncommon, the phrase finds its niche in academic, scientific, and news reporting contexts. When using "meager evidence", it's important to acknowledge the limitations it implies and avoid overstating claims based on such limited support. Alternatives like "scant evidence" or "limited evidence" can provide subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scant evidence

Replaces "meager" with "scant", implying a minimal amount of evidence.

slim evidence

Uses "slim" to convey the idea that the evidence is thin and unconvincing.

limited evidence

Emphasizes the restricted quantity of evidence available.

insufficient evidence

Highlights that the evidence is not enough to support a claim.

paltry evidence

Suggests the evidence is insignificant and of little value.

weak evidence

Focuses on the poor quality and unpersuasiveness of the evidence.

scarce evidence

Indicates that the evidence is hard to find or obtain.

minimal evidence

Highlights that the amount of evidence is at the lowest possible level.

negligible evidence

Suggests the evidence is so small that it can be ignored.

tenuous evidence

Implies the evidence is fragile and easily refuted.

FAQs

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

"Meager evidence" is typically used to describe situations where the available proof is insufficient. For example: "The prosecution struggled to build a strong case due to the "meager evidence" available."

What's a good alternative to "meager evidence"?

Alternatives include "scant evidence", "slim evidence", or "limited evidence", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

Yes, "meager evidence" is suitable for formal writing. It is a clear and concise way to indicate a lack of substantial proof or support in academic, scientific, or professional contexts.

What does it mean when someone says there is "meager evidence"?

It means the evidence presented is weak, sparse, or unconvincing, suggesting that any conclusions drawn from it should be treated with caution.