Meaning & Definition of word "Scant"

Scant

/skænt/

verb:

  • 1. To give or supply in a minimal or insufficient amount.
    • Example: He scantily used the available resources for the experiment.

adjective:

  • 1. Barely sufficient in amount or quantity; insufficient.
    • Example: The project received scant funding, leading to numerous cutbacks.
  • 2. Limited in size or extent.
    • Example: She had scant knowledge of the subject before she started the course.
  • 3. Meager or lacking; not plentiful.
    • Example: The scant harvest this year has put a strain on local food supplies.

Etymology

Middle English, from Old Norse 'skamt', meaning short or little.

Common Phrases and Expressions

scant regard:

Not much respect or consideration.

scant attention:

Minimal or inadequate focus on something.

scant resources:

Very few resources available.

Related Words

scantiness:

The quality of being scant.

scantily:

In a scant manner, insufficiently.

Slang Meanings of scant

Meaning: Barely enough.

Example Sentence: She had a scant amount of money left for the trip.