skimpy

[skim-pee]

adjective

skimpier, skimpiest 

1. lacking in size, fullness, etc.; scanty.

   a skimpy hem; a skimpy dinner.

2. too thrifty; stingy.

   a skimpy housekeeper.

skimpy

/ ˈskɪmpɪ /

adjective

1. (of clothes, etc) made of too little material; scanty

2. excessively thrifty; mean; stingy

Other Word Forms

• skimpily adverb
• skimpiness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of skimpy¹

First recorded in 1835–45; skimp + -y ¹

Example Sentences

ObamaCare plans tend to be skimpier, with narrower provider networks than those most government retirees enjoy.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Another contender, Virginia Gallardo, rose to fame dancing in skimpy outfits and shaking her hips in televised competitions.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Since men are expected to be moisturizing more anyway, the NBA — the league with the skimpiest uniforms of any major sports league in America — should be in the skin game.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Hooters, the iconic casual dining chain long associated with skimpy uniforms and “breastaurant” branding, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March and closed multiple locations.

Read more on Salon

Onlookers didn't always welcome the sight of a middle-aged man in skimpy swimming trunks, however.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• insufficient 
• meager 
• scant 
• scanty 
• thin 
• tight