Miserly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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miserly
[ˈmaɪzərli ]
Definitions
in personal finance
Holding back money or goods when spending is necessary; stingy
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| miserly |
Used to describe someone who is extremely unwilling to spend money, often to a fault, and has a negative connotation.
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| stingy |
Describes someone who is reluctant to give or spend, typically with a negative connotation.
|
| cheap |
Describes someone who is unwilling to spend money, but can also refer to something that is low in price. It can have a negative connotation when describing a person.
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| tightfisted |
Describes someone who is unwilling to spend money, with a negative connotation implying they are excessively frugal.
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Examples of usage
- He was known for his miserly ways, refusing to spend money on anything unnecessary.
- The miserly old man never tipped the waitress, no matter how good the service was.
in general
Showing a lack of generosity; mean or small-minded
Synonyms
greedy, penny-pinching, selfish.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| miserly |
Used to describe someone who is extremely reluctant to spend money. It often implies that the person is mean or ungenerous.
|
| greedy |
Used to describe someone who has an excessive desire for more, whether it's money, power, or food. This word often has a negative connotation.
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| selfish |
Used to describe someone who prioritizes their own needs and desires above those of others, often at the expense of others. This word typically carries a strong negative connotation.
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| penny-pinching |
Used to describe someone who is extremely careful with money, often to an unreasonable degree. It usually suggests frugality taken to an extreme.
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Examples of usage
- Her miserly attitude towards sharing her resources with others made her unpopular among her peers.
- The company's miserly approach to employee benefits resulted in a high turnover rate.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'miserly'
The word 'miserly' originated from the Latin word 'miser' meaning 'wretched' or 'unhappy'. Over time, it came to be associated with the idea of being unhappy due to a lack of generosity or willingness to spend. The term has been used in English literature for centuries to describe characters who are excessively frugal or selfish with their resources.