# measly

/ˈmizɫi/ (US) · /mˈiːzli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/measly
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. contemptibly small amount

adjective · CEFR B2 · Informal

describing an amount that is so small it feels insulting or disappointing.

For teachers: denoting an amount or quantity that is contemptibly small or inadequate.

- After working all weekend, he only received a measly ten dollars in tips.
- The company offered a measly two percent raise, which failed to even keep pace with the current rate of inflation.

Usage: Typically used before a noun to emphasize that the number or amount is insufficient.

Teaching tip: While the word comes from 'measles', modern speakers almost exclusively use it to complain about small amounts of money, time, or food.

### 2. infected with measles

adjective · CEFR C2 · Technical

suffering from the illness called measles, which causes red spots on the skin.

For teachers: afflicted with or relating to measles. This literal sense is now less common than the figurative sense regarding small amounts.

- The doctor confirmed the child was measly and needed to stay home.
- Historical records describe the outbreak as particularly severe, leaving a large portion of the village population measly and bedridden.

## Examples

- The restaurant only gave us a measly portion of soup.
- After working all weekend, he was only paid a measly five dollars for his trouble.
- The charity was criticized for providing only a measly amount of aid to the victims, failing to address the scale of the humanitarian crisis.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.