# skimpy

/ˈskɪmpi/ (US) · /skˈɪmpi/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/skimpy
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

very thin, small, or not enough for what you need. You often use it to describe clothes that are too light or a meal that has very little food.

For teachers: insufficient in amount, quality, or coverage; lacking in substance or thickness. Often carries a negative connotation of being inadequate for the intended purpose.

## Examples

- The hotel room was small and the breakfast was skimpy.
- After a long hike in the desert, the travelers were disappointed to find that the water supply was skimpy and barely enough for one person.
- The report provided a skimpy overview of the data, omitting the most significant variables that would have explained the sudden shift in consumer behavior.

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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.