1. very small in amount; insignificant or worthless

Examples

• The workers received a paltry raise of only fifty cents per hour.
• She was disappointed by the paltry attendance at her book signing.
• The company offered a paltry settlement that barely covered legal fees.
• His paltry savings wouldn’t last more than a few weeks.
• The restaurant served paltry portions for such high prices.
• They made a paltry effort to clean up after the party.