# scantily

/ˈskæntəɫi/ (US) · /skˈɑːntɪli/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/scantily
Updated: 2026-10-19

## Definition

in a way that gives or shows very little — not enough to fully cover or fill something. You most often see it about clothes that cover very little of the body.

For teachers: in a minimal or insufficient way, providing barely enough coverage, supply, or detail. Most often modifies participles and adjectives denoting covering, furnishing, or documentation.

## Examples

- They live in a scantily furnished flat.
- The refugees sleep in scantily heated tents through the cold winter months.
- The report remains scantily sourced, relying on anonymous quotes that leave its central claim unproven.

## Synonyms

sparsely, thinly, minimally, barely

## Antonyms

fully, completely, modestly, generously

## Usage notes

- Typically placed directly before the adjective or participle it modifies, as in scantily clad.

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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.