Scant/skænt/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation Usually implies a failure to meet expectations or a deficiency. Her understanding of the material was scant, frustrating the tutor. Pro Tip 2/3Context Specific Often used in formal or technical contexts to indicate a shortcoming. The research provided scant evidence to support the hypothesis. Pro Tip 3/3Quantitative Nuance Suggests a quantity so small it's barely sufficient. He had a scant amount of money left after paying his bills.