meager stimulus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "meager stimulus" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a stimulus that is insufficient or lacking in quantity or quality, often in economic or motivational contexts. Example: "The government's meager stimulus package failed to provide the necessary support for struggling businesses during the recession."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

BEHIND THE NEWSPresident Obama set aside his efforts to coax bipartisan support for the stimulus plan, which bore meager fruit (the House version passed with no Republican votes at all).

The New York Times

While some of that meager expansion will come from government stimulus spending, its hands are tightly tied because state-owned oil monopoly Pemex (Petróleos Mexicanos) contributes 37%--$37%--$37%--$80 billion federal revenue.

Forbes

While some of that meager expansion will come from government stimulus spending, its hands are tightly tied because state-owned oil monopoly Pemex (Petróleos Mexicanos) contributes 37%–$80 billion in 2008 of federal revenue.

Forbes

The meager amount of actual investment in the stimulus, (a big chunk just halted the firing of teachers, police and other public workers, and one-third was spent on tax cuts people didn't even know they got), brought about the foundation for the at least low-to-slow growth we've had since.

Huffington Post

But after this year's banquet for researchers, complements of the $787 billion stimulus package, 2011 is looking pretty meager.

Science Magazine

Instead, we have infrastructure spending in the Democrats' proposed stimulus package that, while admirable, is far too meager to have much of an impact on the nation's overall infrastructure requirements or the demand for the creation of jobs.

The New York Times

Appetites were meager.

The New York Times

That looks meager.

The New York Times

The results were meager.

The New York Times

Accepting that our current stimulus ($700B over 3 years = 1.5% of GDP) nowhere compares to the 1940 successful depression combat of 14%, what meager steps can we at least take politically now?

University of California, Berkeley

Meager food stocks disappear.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "meager stimulus", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the stimulus is intended to achieve and why it is considered insufficient. Provide specific details to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the effects of a "meager stimulus". Acknowledge its limitations and potential ineffectiveness, rather than portraying it as a significant solution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "meager stimulus" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "meager" modifies the noun "stimulus". It describes a particular kind of stimulus, one that is deficient or insufficient. Ludwig indicates that this is acceptable English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "meager stimulus" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a stimulus that is insufficient or lacking in impact. According to Ludwig, it is acceptable in written English. Due to its rare usage, ensuring clarity and providing supporting details is crucial when employing this phrase. While its register is neutral, it's important to recognize that this expression often carries a negative connotation, implying that a stimulus is inadequate to achieve its intended purpose. Therefore, use it cautiously and with specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scant stimulus

Replaces "meager" with "scant", emphasizing the small quantity or insufficient amount of the stimulus.

insufficient stimulus

Substitutes "meager" with "insufficient", highlighting the inadequacy of the stimulus to achieve the desired effect.

inadequate stimulus

Similar to "insufficient stimulus", but with a slightly stronger emphasis on the lack of suitability or appropriateness.

limited stimulus

Focuses on the restricted or constrained nature of the stimulus.

paltry stimulus

Replaces "meager" with "paltry", indicating the stimulus is trivial or insignificant.

weak stimulus

Highlights the feebleness or lack of strength of the stimulus.

feeble stimulus

Similar to "weak stimulus", but can also imply a lack of energy or vitality.

small stimulus

A more literal substitution, focusing on the physical size or amount of the stimulus.

minimal stimulus

Emphasizes the stimulus being at the lowest possible level.

token stimulus

Implies the stimulus is merely symbolic or intended as a gesture, rather than a substantial effort.

FAQs

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

You can use "meager stimulus" to describe a situation where the stimulus provided is too small or weak to have a significant impact. For example, "The government's "meager stimulus" package failed to revive the struggling economy."

What are some alternatives to "meager stimulus"?

Some alternatives to "meager stimulus" include "scant stimulus", "insufficient stimulus", or "inadequate stimulus". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "small stimulus" or "meager stimulus"?

"Small stimulus" refers to the size of the stimulus, while "meager stimulus" implies that the stimulus is deficient in some way, either in size, quality, or effectiveness. "Meager stimulus" carries a more negative connotation.

What does it mean when a stimulus is described as "meager"?

When a stimulus is described as "meager", it suggests that the stimulus is insufficient to produce the desired effect or outcome. It implies a lack of resources, effort, or effectiveness.