What does scantily mean?
Scantily is an adverb meaning in a limited, insufficient, or sparse manner. It is commonly used when something exists only in small amounts, as in “scantily furnished,” or when a quality or condition is barely present, as in “scantily populated.” The word can also describe clothing that reveals much of the body, particularly in the established expression “scantily clad.” Its tone is generally more formal and descriptive than that of everyday alternatives such as “barely” or “sparsely.” Scantily is related in meaning and origin to “scant,” “scanty,” “scarce,” and “scarcity,” all of which express a limited amount or a shortage. Understanding this shared idea helps distinguish it from “scarcely,” which means almost not at all rather than merely in a limited or insufficient degree.
adverbTo a slight or insufficient extent; barely.
- To a slight or insufficient extent; barely or very sparsely.
"The old house was scantily furnished, with only a chair and a small table."
"The audience was scantily represented at the early meeting."
"The map provides only scantily detailed information about the region."
The familiar phrase “scantily clad” uses the word to mean wearing very little clothing.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does scantily come from?
Scantily is an English adverb formed from the adjective “scant” with the suffix “-ly.” Its meaning follows the older sense of “scant,” namely not plentiful or only barely sufficient. The related forms “scanty,” “scarce,” and “scarcity” also express ideas of shortage, limitation, or insufficiency.
Related word forms
How scantily is actually used
The word is relatively formal and often conveys insufficiency, lack of abundance, or deliberate limitation. It is especially common in expressions such as “scantily clad,” where it means wearing very little.
Easily confused with scantily
Scantily describes something limited or insufficient in amount, whereas scarcely means almost not at all.