What does miserly mean?
Miserly is an adjective meaning excessively unwilling to spend money, share possessions, or give financial help. It commonly describes a person's habits, behavior, or attitude, as in “a miserly landlord” or “miserly habits.” The word is critical and usually implies a persistent or unreasonable unwillingness to part with money, though the degree of criticism can vary with context. It is somewhat formal compared with the more conversational word stingy, while parsimonious can suggest careful economy rather than outright unwillingness to spend. Miserly is especially associated with hoarding money but can also refer to reluctance to provide food, gifts, or other resources. It remains a familiar and useful word because it gives a direct name to a recognizable form of selfish restraint.
adjectiveUnwilling to spend money or give away possessions; excessively stingy or mean.
- Unwilling to spend money or give away possessions; excessively stingy.
"His miserly habits made it difficult for him to buy even a modest birthday present for his sister."
"The miserly landlord refused to repair the heating even in midwinter."
"Her miserly approach to travel led her to choose the cheapest possible flights and hotels."
A miserly person may have enough money but still find it difficult to part with any of it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does miserly come from?
Miserly was formed in the early 19th century by adding the suffix -ly to the noun miser, meaning a person who hoards money. The word miser comes through French from Latin miser, meaning unhappy, wretched, or poor. The modern sense developed through the idea of someone who lives in miserable deprivation because of an excessive attachment to money. Related English words include miserable and misery, which preserve the Latin root's older associations with unhappiness.
Related word forms
How miserly is actually used
The term is generally critical and may sound formal or old-fashioned, though it remains readily understood. It can describe an unwillingness to spend money or share resources.
Easily confused with miserly
Miser is a noun for a person who hoards wealth or spends very sparingly, whereas miserly is the adjective describing such a person's behavior.