meager turnout

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "meager turnout" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a low attendance or participation in an event or gathering. Example: "The community meeting had a meager turnout, with only a handful of residents showing up to discuss the new policy changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The meager turnout was an indication of the steep odds Mr. Schundler faces.

The New York Times

The disappointment he felt at the meager turnout was later matched by the other spectators, who roused themselves when the designated "taco strikeout" hitter came to bat.

The New Yorker

That, at least, was one reason suggested for the meager turnout of hornists at the French horn Mass Appeal event at 59th Street and Columbus Circle.

The New York Times - Arts

For some of the 14 people working at the fair, including city employees and representatives of health insurance and nonprofit groups, the meager turnout was plainly frustrating.

The New York Times

All well and good, but if Messiaen's time is truly to come, it will have to carry audiences in tow, and the meager turnout here was unpromising.

The New York Times - Arts

Still, while the meager turnout suggested little appetite in Russia for an antigovernment road show from Moscow, Mr. Shein's case is turning into a serious political dispute in the new Parliament, which United Russia now controls by only a slim majority.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The relatively meager $27,000 in spending to support a Republican could help bolster GOP turnout in the working-class district that stretches from Fontana to San Bernardino and siphon votes away from Reyes, another Latina in a district where more than half of registered voters are Latino.

Los Angeles Times

Appetites were meager.

The New York Times

That looks meager.

The New York Times

The results were meager.

The New York Times

"Pill," Sharkey Meager said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events, use "meager turnout" to emphasize disappointment or the unexpected lack of attendees. It's suitable for situations where a larger crowd was anticipated.

Common error

Avoid attributing a "meager turnout" solely to one factor without considering multiple potential causes, such as weather, competing events, or lack of promotion. Consider all possible reasons for the low attendance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "meager turnout" functions as a noun phrase, where "meager" modifies the noun "turnout". It describes the quality or state of the turnout, indicating that it is insufficient or disappointing. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "meager turnout" is a grammatically sound noun phrase effectively used to describe a low attendance at an event. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples primarily from News & Media sources. While "meager" adds a subtle nuance of disappointment, alternatives like "low turnout" or "poor attendance" can be used for a more neutral tone. When using this phrase, ensure you're accurately reflecting the situation and considering all potential causes for the lower-than-expected attendance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poor attendance

Similar to "meager turnout" but emphasizes the negative aspect of the low numbers.

under attended

Highlights that fewer people attended than expected or desired.

limited attendance

Indicates that the number of attendees was restricted or not very high.

sparse attendance

Focuses more on the lack of people present, using a more formal term.

scant attendance

Uses a less common word to emphasize the insufficiency of the number of people present.

thinly attended

Emphasizes the lack of density or fullness in the attendance.

weak attendance

Shows a lack of strength in numbers present.

low participation

Highlights the lack of active involvement rather than just the number of people.

deficient attendance

A more formal and less common way of saying there were not enough people present.

small gathering

Conveys the idea of a limited number of people, often implying a planned event.

FAQs

What does "meager turnout" mean?

"Meager turnout" refers to a low or insufficient number of people attending an event or gathering. It implies that the attendance was smaller than expected or desired.

What are some synonyms for "meager turnout"?

Some alternatives to "meager turnout" include "poor attendance", "low participation", and "sparse attendance". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

You can use "meager turnout" like this: "The conference suffered a meager turnout due to the unexpected snowstorm", or "Despite the promotion, the rally had a meager turnout".

Is it more appropriate to use "meager turnout" or "low turnout"?

Both "meager turnout" and "low turnout" are acceptable. "Meager" often implies a sense of disappointment or inadequacy, while "low" is more neutral. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.