Search Dictionary
Definition of paltry

paltry

/ˈpɔːl.tɹi/
pal · try
Adverb:paltrily
JUMP TO:

paltry Lexical Profile

paltry Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Very small or meager in amount, quantity, or value (often used with a tone of contempt).

Example

"The workers protested that the company offered only a paltry wage increase despite record profits."

2

Petty, trivial, or contemptiblyinferior in quality or importance.

Example

"She refused to waste her afternoon arguing over such paltry grievances."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for paltry
Antonyms
View all antonyms for paltry

• Nearby Words

palsied
palsy
paltriness
paltry
pam
pamba
pamirs

Word Origin & Etymology

Originating in the mid-16th century from the dialectal noun 'palter' (meaning rags or rubbish), likely borrowed from Low German 'palter' (rag or scrap).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Paltry. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/paltry
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.