adjective a small or inadequate amount; contemptibly small; paltry
The measly square footage of the apartment made it difficult for the tenant to find enough space for all their belongings.
The measly interest rate offered by the bank was not enough to justify opening a new account.
The measly score on the exam was a wake-up call for the student to study harder next time.
After months of eating measly portions, the patient's energy levels were dangerously low.
The measly portion size of the meal left the customer feeling unsatisfied and hungry.
The writer was disappointed with the measly paycheck they received for their latest article.
The psychologist was frustrated with the measly amount of funding allocated for mental health programs.