adjective

paltry

PAWL-tree/ˈpɔːltri/

So small or poor as to seem worthless.

Three peas and a tiny potato piece make a paltry serving on the large plate.

A large plain dinner plate holds a paltry serving: just three peas and one tiny piece of potato, leaving almost the entire plate empty.

Etymology

The adjective probably came from a noun meaning “worthless thing,” associated with dialect words for trash. This background emphasizes contemptible value or quality, even when paltry describes a small amount.

In context

Libranima564:52

the release of so great a lady as Dulcinea will not be granted so cheaply, or at such a paltry price

Don Quixote - Cervantes (Illustrated Audiobook) Part 3 of 4

More examples

They offered a paltry sum for her entire collection.
His paltry excuse does nothing to explain the missing money.
After expenses, our earnings look even paltrier than last month's.

Forms

paltry · paltrier · paltriest

paltriness noun — The quality of seeming insignificant or worthless.

Similar words

meager: Describes an inadequate amount without necessarily suggesting it is worthless.
scant: Emphasizes that very little is available, rather than its value.
trivial: Emphasizes lack of importance rather than small size or amount.