meagre contribution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "meagre contribution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a contribution that is small or insufficient in amount or significance. Example: "Despite his efforts, his meagre contribution to the project did not have the desired impact on the overall outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

They were expected to send ten per cent of their paychecks to Jihad, but it was surely a meagre contribution.

The New Yorker

Patting my meagre contribution to the population on their heads, she wanders off chuckling in amusement at my uselessness as a woman.

The Guardian - Travel

William Porterfield, the Ireland captain, will not remember this tournament with any great affection, not just because of his team's demise but also for his meagre contribution, two golden ducks.

The Guardian - Sport

While your average Briton burdens the country by expecting healthcare and education from their meagre contribution to the coffers, your celebrity wouldn't see themselves or their children dead in an NHS hospital or a state school.

The Guardian

"The late twist of fate will not be lost on Rodgers" was one of the Guardian's five talking points from that game, focusing on Aspas's meagre contribution compared with that of the Chelsea substitute Willian, one of the many who escaped Liverpool's transfer clutches last summer.

The Guardian - Sport

Ronaldo's meagre contribution to the first half was a nutmeg on Steven Davis, but the Real Madrid forward showed his class with a clinical treble.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

At the moment, Chile's schools and universities rely heavily on household funding to supplement the meagre contributions they get from the state.

BBC

Starbucks became the poster child for corporate tax avoidance in 2012 after details of its meagre tax contribution emerged.

The Guardian - Business

"Gold" towns such as Stowe, with popular ski resorts, or Manchester, with dozens of designer discount stores and three ski mountains, easily topped up the meagre state contribution to pay for extra-splendid schools.

The Economist

By contrast, Starbucks, which was widely criticised over corporate tax avoidance in 2012 following details of its meagre tax contribution, revealed last week it has paid £8.1m corporation tax this year, nearly as much as it paid in its first 14 years in the UK, after bowing to pressure to scrap its complex tax structures.

The Guardian - Business

While serving as inspector of elementary schools from 1851 to 1886, he studied European school systems and contrasted the meagre educational contributions of the English state with the more generous ones of Continental states.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "meagre contribution", consider the context and whether a more specific adjective would provide a clearer picture of the contribution's inadequacy.

Common error

Avoid using "meagre contribution" and then following it with a statement that suggests the contribution had a significant impact. Ensure the description aligns with the limited nature of the contribution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "meagre contribution" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "meagre" modifies the noun "contribution". Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe an input or effort that is small or deficient.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "meagre contribution" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon expression used to describe a contribution that is small, insufficient, or of little consequence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is frequently found in news articles and reports, as well as encyclopedic texts, with neutral formality. Related phrases include "small contribution" and "insignificant contribution", each carrying slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, ensure that the context aligns with the limited impact being described and consider more descriptive adjectives for increased clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Small contribution

Emphasizes the limited size of the contribution.

Insignificant contribution

Highlights the lack of importance of the contribution.

Minimal contribution

Stresses the bare minimum level of contribution.

Limited contribution

Focuses on the restricted scope of the contribution.

Modest contribution

Indicates a humble or restrained contribution.

Minor contribution

Suggests a contribution that is not very significant.

Paltry contribution

Implies the contribution is almost worthless.

Marginal contribution

Indicates that the contribution is barely sufficient.

Trivial contribution

Highlights the unimportance of the contribution.

Negligible contribution

Suggests the contribution is so small it can be ignored.

FAQs

How can I use "meagre contribution" in a sentence?

You can use "meagre contribution" to describe something that is small or insufficient. For example, "Despite his efforts, his "meagre contribution" did little to improve the project's outcome."

What's the difference between "meagre contribution" and "significant contribution"?

"Meagre contribution" refers to a small or insufficient input, while "significant contribution" implies a substantial and impactful input. They are antonyms.

Are there synonyms for "meagre contribution"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "small contribution", "insignificant contribution", or "minimal contribution".

Is "meagre contribution" formal or informal?

"Meagre contribution" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is more frequently found in news and media or professional writing.