ungenerous

American  

[uhn-jen-er-uhs] / ʌnˈdʒɛn ər əs /

adjective

1. stingy; miserly.

   an ungenerous portion; an ungenerous employer.

2. uncharitable; petty.

   an ungenerous critic; an ungenerous impulse.

---

ungenerous British  

/ -ˈdʒɛnrəs, ʌnˈdʒɛnərəs /

adjective

1. not willing and liberal in giving away one's money, time, etc

---

Other Word Forms

• ungenerosity noun
• ungenerously adverb

Etymology

Origin of ungenerous

First recorded in 1635–45; un- ¹ + generous

Example Sentences

Withering caricatures began to seem inadequate—too easy, too ungenerous.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

"I don't know it's that thought out — that's maybe being ungenerous," she added, emphasizing that "it's concerning to me."

From Salon • Feb. 21, 2025

At its worst, it’s been an ungenerous waste of energy.

From Slate • May 7, 2023

“People are afraid they’re going to sound cheap or ungenerous when talking about splitting the bill, but talking about money can be a normal thing,” Ms. Meier wrote.

From Washington Times • Dec. 15, 2022

“I am not sure you are ready for stone. Clay is kind—it can do anything, though you do not know this yet. Stone can be stingy, ungenerous, like the unrequited lover.”

From "I'll Give You the Sun" by Jandy Nelson