paltrier; paltriest
formal
1
: very small or too small in amount
They're offering a paltry [=meager] salary for the position.
Sales have increased by a paltry [=measly] two percent.
2
: having little meaning, importance, or worth
a paltry excuse
paltry work
Cite this Entry
“Paltry.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/paltry. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
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