relatively meager

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relatively meager" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is considered insufficient or lacking in quantity or quality, especially in comparison to something else. Example: "The funding for the project was relatively meager, making it difficult to achieve the desired outcomes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But the American presence was relatively meager.

The New York Times

In contrast, Citigroup has forked over a relatively meager $12.9bn in 12 settlements.

The Guardian - Business

Reynolds's relatively meager experience in the college game did not match his court presence on Sunday.

The New York Times - Sports

The show had drawn a relatively meager 3.9 million viewers to its second episode on Thursday.

The New York Times - Arts

By comparison, the publicly traded hedge funds paid their C.E.O.'s relatively meager amounts.

The New York Times

Was her inclusion — despite her relatively meager athletic talents — a bonus for the Olympics?

The New York Times

Compared to previous presidents, however, Mr. Obama's post-election approval bounce has been relatively meager.

The New York Times

The Travel Channel is a widely distributed channel, but it earns a relatively meager 6 cents a subscriber.

The New York Times

It is an ensemble of modernist boxes squeezing art, and even a little drama, from a relatively meager design budget.

The New York Times - Arts

But with many wealthy Greeks still fearful of showing their financial hand, private giving to date has been relatively meager".

The New York Times

They can continue to live in cramped temporary housing and collect relatively meager monthly compensation from the government.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "relatively meager" to highlight a discrepancy or an unexpected smallness, especially when expectations are higher.

Common error

Avoid using "relatively meager" when describing something that is inherently small or unimportant. The phrase works best when contrasting with a larger expectation or standard.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively meager" functions as an adjectival modifier, used to describe a noun by indicating that it is small or insufficient in comparison to something else. It's common to find it used to quantify resources, amounts, or even qualities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "relatively meager" is a common and grammatically correct adjectival modifier that conveys a sense of insufficiency or inadequacy, especially when compared to an expected standard. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, with numerous examples found in reputable sources like The New York Times, Forbes and TechCrunch. Its usage is most prevalent in News & Media and Science, and is suitable for neutral and formal contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure there is a clear comparison to highlight the discrepancy. Related phrases include "comparatively small" and "somewhat inadequate", providing alternatives with subtly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Relatively insufficient

Replaces 'meager' with a direct synonym for a similar meaning.

Comparatively small

Emphasizes the size or extent is less when compared to something else.

Moderately insufficient

Highlights the lack of adequacy in a more balanced way.

Somewhat inadequate

Focuses on the insufficiency or deficiency to a certain degree.

Slightly deficient

Implies a mild lack or shortage.

Reasonably scant

Indicates a limited quantity or supply.

Fairly limited

Suggests restrictions in scope or amount.

Kind of paltry

Conveys insignificance or triviality in size or worth.

A bit skimpy

Implies lacking fullness or generosity.

Hardly substantial

Underlines the lack of significant substance or importance.

FAQs

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

You can use "relatively meager" to describe something that is small or insufficient compared to something else. For example: "The funding for the project was "relatively meager", making it difficult to achieve the desired outcomes."

What phrases can I use instead of "relatively meager"?

Alternatives include "comparatively small", "somewhat inadequate", or "fairly limited" depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "relatively meager" and "absolutely meager"?

"Relatively meager" implies a comparison to something else, while "absolutely meager" suggests that something is insufficient on its own, without needing a reference point.

Is it appropriate to use "relatively meager" in formal writing?

Yes, "relatively meager" is suitable for formal writing as it is a clear and professional way to express that something is smaller or less substantial than expected or desired. It's more formal than "a bit skimpy".