What does stingiest mean?
“Stingiest” is the superlative form of the adjective “stingy.” It describes someone who is especially unwilling to spend money, give away possessions, or share resources. The word commonly suggests miserliness or penny-pinching rather than ordinary careful spending, and its tone ranges from casual criticism to humorous exaggeration. For example, a restaurant might describe one diner as “the stingiest person in town” if that diner hesitates to tip, though the expression can sound judgmental when used sincerely. In a comparison among several people, “stingiest” identifies the one regarded as most mean with money. The related adverb “stingily” describes actions performed with reluctance to spend, while “stinginess” names the quality itself. Together, these forms are useful for discussing frugality, generosity, and the social judgments attached to how people handle money.
adjectiveUnwilling to give away or spend money; extremely miserly or mean. As the superlative of “stingy,” it describes the most stingy person in a group or comparison.
- Unwilling to give away or spend money; miserly or mean.
"He was the stingiest landlord in the building, refusing even to replace a broken lightbulb."
"Of all the students, she was the stingiest about lending books."
"The stingiest customer complained when a free sample was unavailable."
Calling someone the stingiest is a powerful comparison: it implies they make every penny count while others spend freely.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of stingiest
The word comes from the adjective “stingy,” which developed from the verb “sting” in the sense of being stingy or miserly. The verb ultimately traces to Old English “stingan,” meaning to prick or pierce. The familiar sense of a sharp pain associated with an insect or plant is also related to that older meaning.
Related word forms
How stingiest is actually used
This is the superlative of “stingy,” used when comparing two or more people or things. It is informal to mildly humorous in tone and can be insulting when used directly about someone.
Easily confused with stingiest
“Stingy” is the base adjective, while “stingiest” is its superlative form, used to compare more than two people or things.