What does skimpiest mean?
Skimpiest is the superlative form of “skimpy” and describes something so limited in size, quantity, quality, or adequacy that it is barely sufficient. The word often appears with meals, portions, budgets, coverage, and information, emphasizing that what is provided falls short of what might reasonably be expected. It can also describe a person as stingy or reluctant to share resources, although in that use it can carry a negative, disapproving tone. “Skimpiest” is especially effective when comparing several things: one meal may be substantial, another small, and a third the “skimpiest” of all. Although the spelling sounds informal and mildly comic, the word is fully standard in both British and American English and is useful when precision about insufficiency matters.
So limited in amount, size, or adequacy as to be barely sufficient; meager or inadequate.
"They survived on the skimpiest supply of food and water."
Common with portions, meals, budgets, evidence, coverage, and information.
Stingy or unwilling to provide money, time, or resources generously.
"He was the skimpiest person in the office when it came to sharing credit."
This use is commonly informal and may imply disapproval.
The “skimpiest” meal is not merely small—it is the smallest one that barely qualifies as a meal.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does skimpiest come from?
The word belongs to the English “skimp” family, whose older forms carried senses connected with providing or using limited amounts. “Skimpy” developed in English by the late seventeenth century and was used for both inadequate quantities and stingy behavior. The related forms “skimpily” and “skimpiness” entered standard English later as the family expanded. The precise development of the underlying root is not completely settled, so no more specific linguistic origin should be assumed.
Related word forms
How skimpiest is actually used
Commonly used to describe meals, portions, budgets, coverage, information, or other provisions that are insufficient. When describing a person's behavior, it can imply stinginess and may sound more judgmental than when describing an objectively inadequate amount.
Easily confused with skimpiest
“Skinny” primarily describes something physically thin or narrow, whereas “skimpiest” means insufficient in amount or stingy in what is provided.
“Scanty” emphasizes limited quantity, while “skimpiest” can describe both a barely sufficient amount and an ungenerous attitude toward sharing or providing.