Measly/ˈmiːzli/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Negative Implication Indicates dissatisfaction or disapproval towards the smallness of something. They served us a measly portion of dessert at the expensive restaurant. Pro Tip 2/3Inadequacy Emphasis Used to stress that something is insufficient for needs or expectations. We were given a measly amount of time to complete the project. Pro Tip 3/3Disparaging Tone Conveys a mocking or belittling attitude towards the quantity or quality. He laughed at the measly offer they made for his vintage car.