Scanty

/ˈskæn.ti/

Meaning & Definition

adjective
Small in quantity or amount; inadequate.
The scanty rainfall this year has severely affected the crops.
Barely sufficient; lacking in fullness or richness.
She wore a scanty dress that left little to the imagination.
Meager; insufficient for needs.
The charity provided only scanty supplies to the affected families.

Etymology

From Early Modern English scanty, derived from scant, which comes from the Old Norse 'skant.'

Common Phrases and Expressions

scanty resources
Limited resources that are insufficient for needs.
scanty evidence
Barely enough proof to confirm a claim.
scanty coverage
Limited or inadequate coverage of a topic or issue.

Related Words

scant
Barely sufficient.
scarce
In short supply; limited.
sparse
Thinly dispersed or scattered.

Slang Meanings

Used to describe minimal clothing, especially in fashion contexts.
The party was filled with scanty outfits that turned heads.