paltry – less than expected or required
(Pronounced pawl-tree)
To remember the definition of the word paltry, use the following mnemonic:
The number of poultry (paltry) on the farm was far less than required.
Examples of paltry in a sentence
With awful reviews and a paltry salary it's no wonder she couldn't find any applicants.
He was devastated to find out they'd sold the rare antiques for a paltry sum at the local car-boot sale.
The paltry portions hardly reflected the prices they paid for the meals.
