skimpy

[ skim-pee ]

adjective

, skimp·i·er, skimp·i·est.

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

Derived Forms

• ˈskimpily, adverb
• ˈskimpiness, noun

Other Words From

• skimpi·ly adverb
• skimpi·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of skimpy¹

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

Example Sentences

Annette makes a similar promise of emotional richness, but no matter how much of themselves the filmmakers have poured into it, the payoff is skimpy.

From Time

That also means having smooth and clear bikini areas is paramount for short shorts and skimpy swimsuits.

From Essence.com

Recent research has shown how our skimpy powder days and warm winter rains carry down the chain into summer and fall and impact water use, drought, and even fire resiliency.

From Outside Online

During her 2011 tour of Canada, a skimpy yellow frock flew skywards on a Calgary airfield.

From The Daily Beast

His minimalist performance was so haunting—and his Oscar track record so skimpy—that I figured he was a lock.

From The Daily Beast

Skimpy bralets and short-shorts take the cake in Britney Spears's new music video for her new anthem.

From The Daily Beast

Spears works a series of fabulous, skimpy looks in her video.

From The Daily Beast

They lean against the fence, hips jutted out, their legs exposed by scanty pink shorts and skimpy dresses.

From The Daily Beast

A little trick with skimpy skirts whipped about plump calves crossed on over.

From Project Gutenberg

There were no pigs about when Sheppy was receiving his somewhat skimpy education, so he doesn't know what to do with Clementine.

From Project Gutenberg

Their skimpy portions of stew were spooned on magnesium plates.

From Project Gutenberg

Per contra, I had a skimpy bed and room, and just the necessaries of life as far as nursing was concerned.

From Project Gutenberg

"But we haven't got a tent, and our grub is pretty skimpy, say what you will," the grumbler went on to protest.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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