miser

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'miser' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word to describe someone who is excessively or grudgingly economical, typically with money. For example, "The miser was unwilling to spend even a penny on his friend's birthday gift."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If you have ever been accused of getting up on the wrong side of the bed because, frankly, you are a miserable, caffeine-starved miser in the morning, then that person may be onto something, according to a new study.

Independent

I'm all for being a miser, but not if it makes you miserable.

The New York Times

[A good example of the "normal" interpretation of Smith as a bit of a miser.]Chomsky, N. (2002).

The Economist

China is in the odd position of being cast as both miser and wanton.Even an extravagance like Kangbashi is best understood as an attempt to soak up saving.

The Economist

But you do not have to be a coin-collector or a miser to enjoy the British Museum's newly refurbished money gallery.

The Economist

At home he was a miser; the few clothes in his wardrobe cost 15 yuan at most, except the grey-and-white favourite jumper in which he liked to meet the press.

The Economist

He argued that purchasers of luxury goods created a livelihood for the poor, whereas the miser who saved his money "caused them to die in distress".Mercantilism is thought to have begun its intellectual eclipse with the publication of Adam Smith's "Wealth of Nations" in 1776.

The Economist

In particular, China has gone from miser to glutton in its use of energy, and is now struggling to diet.

The Economist

A Beirut Maronite (a Roman Catholic following the Syrio-Antiochene rite, widespread in the area), Mārūn al-Naqqāsh (died 1855), who knew French and Italian as well as Arabic and Turkish, adapted Molière's L'Avare ("The Miser") and presented it on a makeshift stage in Beirut in 1848.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the homes of patricians, young noblemen often took the parts of the standard characters the bragging, greedy Maccus, the stupid Bucco, the foolish miser Pappus wearing masks to disguise their identities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the play the miser (Hermides) can never bring himself to pay proper attention to the girl he says he loves, and, though she is often on Hermides's mind, she does not actually appear on the stage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the word "miser", ensure the context clearly indicates that the person not only saves money but does so to an excessive and often unreasonable degree. The term carries a negative connotation.

Common error

Avoid using "miser" to describe someone who is simply frugal or economical. Frugality is about wise spending, while being a "miser" implies an unhealthy obsession with hoarding money and an unwillingness to spend even when necessary.

Linguistic Context

The word "miser" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a person characterized by their extreme reluctance to spend money. Ludwig AI indicates that the word is correct and usable in written English. The examples show its use in both general descriptions and specific references to well-known misers like Ebenezer Scrooge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis reveals that "miser" is a commonly used noun to describe someone excessively stingy. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While often used interchangeably with terms like "cheapskate" or "skinflint", it's crucial to distinguish it from "frugal", as "miser" carries a negative connotation. This word appears most frequently in News & Media. When writing, ensure the context justifies the strong implication of the term. Use "frugal" if you mean simply smart with money, and reserve "miser" for describing those unhealthily obsessed with hoarding riches.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scrooge

Direct reference to the famous miser from "A Christmas Carol", implying similar behavior.

penny pincher

Focuses on the act of carefully saving small amounts of money.

cheapskate

Emphasizes unwillingness to spend money, often in a derogatory way.

skinflint

Highlights extreme stinginess and parsimony.

closefisted person

Describes someone who is unwilling to give or spend money.

tightwad

Suggests a person who is reluctant to part with their money.

hoarder

Implies excessive accumulation of wealth, often beyond reasonable needs.

parsimonious person

Highlights extreme frugality and unwillingness to spend money, often in a formal setting.

frugal person

Neutral term for someone who avoids unnecessary spending.

economical individual

Focuses on efficient use of resources, including money.

FAQs

How can I use "miser" in a sentence?

You can use "miser" to describe someone who hoards money and is extremely reluctant to spend it. For example, "Ebenezer Scrooge is a classic example of a "miser"."

What are some synonyms for "miser"?

Alternatives include "cheapskate", "skinflint", "tightwad", and "scrooge", each carrying a slightly different nuance of stinginess.

What's the difference between "frugal" and "miser"?

"Frugal" implies wise and economical spending, while "miser" suggests an extreme and often unreasonable reluctance to spend money, even when necessary. A "frugal person" makes smart financial choices; a "miser" hoards money obsessively.

Is it appropriate to call someone a "miser"?

Calling someone a "miser" can be considered offensive, as it implies a negative judgment about their character and spending habits. It's best to use the term carefully and consider the context.