meagerness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "meagerness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being insufficient, lacking in quantity, or being thin and weak, often in reference to resources or physical appearance. Example: "The meagerness of the food supply during the drought led to widespread hunger in the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

This is proved in the behavior of the committee and in the meagerness of the public's interest.

The New Yorker

One winter afternoon the gypsies come by and the cook gives them bread and when they complain about the meagerness of this offering, she gives them a bit more.

The New Yorker

The meagerness of the funds allotted for the ReadyReturn program reflects the strength of its political opponents, Mr. Chiang said.

The New York Times

The meagerness of unemployment benefits — the maximum weekly payout is $405 ,before taxes — was just part of the sobering news the laid-off betting clerks and their former colleagues heard on Friday from state and union officials.

The New York Times

But the long-term consequences, as Porter recognized, overshadowed the meagerness of the fight.

The New York Times

Early on, the protagonist, Lucinella, meets a poet, but finds him lacking: "What I cannot forgive is the meagerness of the back of William's neck".

The Guardian - Books

The reconstruction of the fort that Washington's forces threw together is terrifying in its meagerness, and sure enough, the fight in 1754 was a rout, with the French and their Indian allies making mincemeat of the British led by Colonel Washington.

The New York Times - Travel

Adding to the sense of betrayal, officials said, was the meagerness of the profits made by those arrested compared with the value of the benefits being sold.

The New York Times

However generous you have been, it is only the meagerness of each portion that will be apparent.

The New York Times - Food

The sweetened-up, danced-down meagerness — with Darci Kistler as the heroine and Yvonne Borree leading the Russian Dance — ran through some of the company's other Balanchine repertory as well.

The New York Times - Arts

American store buyers expressed disgust with the meagerness of the Milan collections.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "meagerness" to emphasize a stark lack or insufficiency, particularly when describing resources, qualities, or effort. It conveys a sense of disappointing inadequacy.

Common error

Avoid using "meagerness" when you intend to describe something as simple or understated. "Meagerness" always carries a negative connotation of deficiency, whereas simplicity can be a virtue. For example, a minimalist design is simple, not meager.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "meagerness" is as a noun, typically used to describe the state or quality of being meager. It functions as the subject or object of a sentence, representing the abstract concept of insufficiency, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "meagerness" functions as a noun that describes the state of being meager, emphasizing insufficiency or scarcity. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and primarily used in news, science, and formal business contexts. When writing, use "meagerness" to highlight deficiencies or inadequacies, but avoid confusing it with simplicity. Alternatives include "scarcity", "paucity", and "insufficiency", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scarcity

Focuses on the limited availability of something.

paucity

Highlights the lack of something, often in a broader sense.

insufficiency

Emphasizes the inadequacy of something to meet a need.

deficiency

Points out a lack or shortage of something essential.

inadequacy

Stresses the unsuitability or incompetence due to a lack of resources.

thinness

Implies a lack of substance or depth.

exiguity

Refers to the scantiness or smallness of something.

shortage

Indicates a temporary or specific lack of something.

dearth

Highlights a severe lack or scarcity, often used in a formal context.

lack

A general term for the absence or deficiency of something.

FAQs

How can I use "meagerness" in a sentence?

You can use "meagerness" to describe the insufficient quantity or quality of something, like "The "meagerness" of the harvest led to food shortages" or "The "meagerness" of his apology showed a lack of remorse".

What words are similar to "meagerness"?

Similar words include "scarcity", "paucity", "insufficiency", and "deficiency". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to use "meagerness" to describe a person's character?

Yes, you can use "meagerness" to describe a lack of positive qualities in a person's character, such as "the "meagerness" of his spirit" or "the "meagerness" of her generosity".

What is the difference between "meagerness" and "simplicity"?

"Meagerness" implies a deficiency or inadequacy, while "simplicity" suggests a lack of complexity or ornamentation. "Simplicity" can be a positive attribute, while "meagerness" is almost always negative.