meager pickings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "meager pickings" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a small or inadequate amount or supply of something. Example: After years of struggling to find work, the small town's residents were left with only meager pickings for job opportunities.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Gowdy apologized for the "meager" pickings relative to the action one can expect with live bait.

The New York Times - Sports

But analysts say the meager pickings from pay television across the region may help clear many of the potential regulatory objections.

The New York Times

But the days of having meager pickings in this part of D.C. are long since over as neighborhoods east of Rock Creek Park have seen major reinvestment.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

While the forthcoming London and New York auctions of Old Masters and Impressionist and Modern paintings do not raise such thorny issues, the pickings look as meager as in the "Islamic World" sales.

The New York Times - Arts

The pickings are slim.

The Economist

The results were meager.

The New York Times

Appetites were meager.

The New York Times

That looks meager.

The New York Times

Some rich pickings there.

Independent

It is slim pickings.

The New York Times

Easy pickings for Reina.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "meager pickings" when you want to convey that what is available is both limited in quantity and potentially of low quality.

Common error

Avoid using "meager pickings" when you simply mean 'few options' without the added implication of poor quality or scarcity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "meager pickings" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig examples show it describing a limited or inadequate selection of something. It often conveys a sense of disappointment or scarcity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "meager pickings" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a small or inadequate supply of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical validity. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral to slightly informal register. While alternatives like "slim pickings" exist, "meager pickings" specifically emphasizes both the limited quantity and potential poor quality of what is available. It's crucial to use it when this specific connotation is intended, avoiding it when simply referring to a small number of options without the implication of scarcity or low quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slim pickings

Focuses on the lack of availability or choice rather than the quantity being small.

scant offerings

Emphasizes the inadequacy of what is being provided or available.

poor selection

Highlights the low quality or limited variety of available choices.

limited resources

Stresses the restricted nature of available resources or provisions.

small yield

Implies a low return or output from an effort or investment.

thinly spread

Indicates that something is distributed in a sparse or insufficient manner.

scarce supply

Emphasizes the rarity and limited availability of something.

minimal gains

Focuses on the small amount of progress or profit achieved.

trivial amount

Highlights the insignificance of the quantity or number.

inadequate provision

Stresses the insufficient or deficient nature of what is being provided.

FAQs

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

You can use "meager pickings" to describe situations where the available options or resources are limited and often unsatisfactory. For example: "After the economic downturn, job seekers faced "meager pickings" in the local market."

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

Alternatives include "slim pickings", "scant offerings", or "limited resources", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "meager pickings" formal or informal?

"Meager pickings" is suitable for both neutral and slightly informal contexts. It appears frequently in news articles, as evidenced by the Ludwig examples.

How does "meager pickings" differ from "slim pickings"?

While both phrases denote a lack of options, "meager pickings" emphasizes the small quantity and potential poor quality of what is available, while "slim pickings" primarily focuses on the limited number of options.