Meaning & Definition
verb
To give or supply in a minimal or insufficient amount.
He scantily used the available resources for the experiment.
adjective
Barely sufficient in amount or quantity; insufficient.
The project received scant funding, leading to numerous cutbacks.
Limited in size or extent.
She had scant knowledge of the subject before she started the course.
Meager or lacking; not plentiful.
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.
Slang Meanings
Barely enough.
She had a scant amount of money left for the trip.