meager existence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "meager existence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a life or lifestyle that is lacking in resources, comfort, or fulfillment. Example: "After losing his job, he found himself living a meager existence, struggling to make ends meet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Despite the hardships in his life Gyges was relatively satisfied with his meager existence.

The New York Times

"He had a meager existence, and yet look where he is today.

The New York Times

It is unclear whether he did so for patriotic motives or to escape his meager existence.

The New York Times

Gregers learns that even the Ekdals' meager existence depends on the largess of his own father.

The New York Times

"The shows now are uber-vital to my very meager existence," he said.

The New York Times

Steinberg rose above the meager existence of a foreign student when he began working for Bertoldo, a new humor publication.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Like the football phone or the Dick Tracy two-way wrist radio, humankind has always dreamt of melding two technologies together to create a synergistic improvement on our meager, exhausting existence.

TechCrunch

Yes, they were treated abominably and done dirty and forced to live a meager inhuman existence.

Huffington Post

The idea of MBS as a genuine elite reformer in Saudi Arabia might be one of those ideas -- like "Iranian moderate" or "stable Afghanistan" -- we all want to be true so badly we overestimate the meager odds of its existence.

The Washington Post

Can existence not exist?

WikiHow

In a year and a half of label existence, that is a meager output.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's background or the social conditions of a group, use "meager existence" to vividly portray their impoverished circumstances without being overly dramatic.

Common error

Avoid using "meager existence" in situations where the hardship is not severe. It's a powerful phrase, and using it inappropriately can diminish its impact and make your writing seem overly sentimental.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "meager existence" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "meager" modifies the noun "existence". It describes a state of being characterized by a lack of resources, comfort, or opportunity. Ludwig shows examples across various contexts, reinforcing this grammatical function.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "meager existence" effectively conveys a life lacking in comfort and resources, as validated by Ludwig. Grammatically correct and commonly used in news and academic contexts, it serves to evoke empathy and highlight social issues. While versatile, be mindful of overusing it in contexts that don't warrant such a strong descriptor. Alternatives like "impoverished life" or "bare subsistence" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. The abundance of examples on Ludwig underscores its appropriateness for describing conditions of poverty and hardship.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impoverished life

Focuses on the lack of wealth and material comforts.

scanty living

Emphasizes the insufficiency of resources for sustenance.

bare subsistence

Highlights the minimal level of resources needed to survive.

poverty-stricken life

Strongly emphasizes the state of being affected by poverty.

austere existence

Stresses the simplicity and lack of luxury.

hand-to-mouth existence

Implies a daily struggle for survival with no savings.

marginal existence

Suggests living on the fringes of society with limited opportunities.

threadbare lifestyle

Emphasizes the worn-out and inadequate nature of the lifestyle.

humble lifestyle

Highlights the lack of pretension and simplicity of the lifestyle.

struggling existence

Focuses on the effort and difficulty involved in maintaining life.

FAQs

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

You can use "meager existence" to describe a life that is lacking in resources or opportunities. For instance, "The refugees were forced to live a "meager existence" in the overcrowded camp." or "Despite his "meager existence", he always maintained a positive outlook."

What words can I use instead of "meager existence"?

Alternatives include "impoverished life", "scanty living", or "bare subsistence". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "meager existence" or "difficult life"?

"Meager existence" specifically implies a lack of resources and material comforts, whereas "difficult life" is a broader term encompassing various challenges. "Meager existence" is more precise when describing poverty or deprivation.

What's the difference between "simple existence" and "meager existence"?

"Simple existence" suggests a voluntary choice to live without excessive luxuries, while "meager existence" implies a forced condition of poverty or scarcity. The former is a lifestyle choice, the latter a state of deprivation.