exiguous

[ ig-zig-yoo-uhs, ik-sig- ]

adjective

1. scanty; meager; small; slender:

   exiguous income.

exiguous

/ ɪkˈsɪɡ-; ˌɛksɪˈɡjuːɪtɪ; ɪɡˈzɪɡjʊəs /

adjective

1. scanty or slender; meagre

   an exiguous income

Derived Forms

• exˈiguously, adverb
• exiguity, noun

Other Words From

• ex·i·gu·i·ty [ek-si-, gyoo, -i-tee], ex·igu·ous·ness noun
• ex·igu·ous·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of exiguous¹

First recorded in 1645–55; from Latin exiguus “scanty in measure or number, small,” equivalent to exig(ere) “to drive out, measure, exact” + -uus adjective suffix; exigent, -ous ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of exiguous¹

C17: from Latin exiguus, from exigere to weigh out; see exigent

Example Sentences

HFM: Yeah, it would be impossible because I had no background, or I had a very exiguous background in finance.

From The Daily Beast

We can extract from these exiguous provisions nothing in the nature of a policy imposed by Parliament on the Central Authority.

From Project Gutenberg

No one can maintain the position of a gentleman with more exiguous resources than often fall to his share.

From Project Gutenberg

Women in dreams of diaphanous and exiguous raiment stared derisively at the trio as they passed their tables.

From Project Gutenberg

He pondered these matters as he ate, spinning out his exiguous meal to its uttermost crumb to make it as satisfying as possible.

From Project Gutenberg

The skill with which he managed the exiguous finances of the exiled court earned him further confidence and promotion.

From Project Gutenberg