miserly

[mahy-zer-lee]

adjective

1. of, like, or befitting a miser; penurious; stingy.

   Synonyms: parsimonious, cheap
   Antonyms: generous

miserly

/ ˈmaɪzəlɪ /

adjective

1. of or resembling a miser; avaricious

Other Word Forms

• miserliness noun
• unmiserly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of miserly¹

First recorded in 1585–95; miser + -ly

Synonym Study

See stingy ¹.

Example Sentences

They had scored a miserly 15 in their previous 20 league games this season, mustering just 66 shots on target from 226 attempts.

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But Crawley was bowled through the gate as part of a miserly opening spell from Matt Henry.

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Wood, on his return to the England side after missing the second Test, was the pick of the bowlers with 3-69, well supported by the miserly James Anderson.

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He was excellent throughout - controlled, skilful and miserly.

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"He was travelling back from Tewkesbury in the rain but he was too miserly to pay for a carriage so he decided to walk," said Mr Smith.

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Related Words

• tightfisted