She complained about being given such a measly raise. All I want is a few measly minutes of your time.

Recent Examples on the Web

Despite its measly 495 horsepower, even the C8 Corvette can reach 60 mph in 2.8 seconds. Scott Oldham, Car and Driver, "2020 Lamborghini Huracán Evo RWD Trades Traction for Entertainment," 10 Sep. 2020

That's a measly 13 countries; the iPhone SE launched in 40 countries and is expected to add to that number. Ron Amadeo, Ars Technica, "Google Pixel 4a review—The simple, basic, reasonable Google phone," 30 Aug. 2020

But a few measly chairs alone can't carry them through the seemingly unending interruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Megan Cerullo, CBS News, "Indoor dining delays could be final straw for many restaurants," 7 July 2020

The tortoises partook in a captive breeding program initiated in the mid-1960s when the population decreased to a measly 15. Joshua Bote, USA TODAY, "The tortoises that saved their species by having sex have returned to their natural habitat," 18 June 2020

European football's governing body has been criticized in recent months for handing out meaningless fines and measly punishments. Ben Church, CNN, "Georginio Wijnaldum is ready to walk off pitch if subjected to racist abuse," 26 Nov. 2019

What's more, the interior of the Dyson Sphere could, in theory, provide far more habitable real estate than a measly planet. Adam Hadhazy, Popular Mechanics, "Could We Build a Dyson Sphere?," 28 Feb. 2020

In one practice game, the team allowed just one run in 14 innings but the offense failed to match that measly amount. Robert Avery, Houston Chronicle, "Deer Park baseball will be youthful but potentially strong on mound," 26 Feb. 2020

Getting a franchise quarterback for a measly second-round pick (43rd overall) is the steal of the century. Ben Volin, BostonGlobe.com, "The Jimmy Garoppolo deal actually worked out well for both the Patriots and 49ers," 21 Jan. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'measly.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.