B1adjective formal 10K+

Miserly

🇬🇧 UK //ˈmaɪzəli// 🇺🇸 US //ˈmaɪzərli//

Meaning of Miserly

Unwilling to spend money; stingy.

In simple words: not willing to spend money

Miserly in a sentence

• He was so miserly that he wouldn't even buy a cup of coffee for his friend.
• Her miserly behavior made it hard for her to keep friends around.
• The miserly man hoarded his wealth instead of sharing it.
• Being miserly can lead to loneliness in later years.
• He had a miserly attitude towards charitable donations.

How to use Miserly

Used to describe someone who is very careful with money and reluctant to spend. It can be negative in tone. Avoid in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

miserly + object

Memory hint

Think of 'misery' - a miserly person is unhappy about spending money.

Related words

Collocations with Miserly

• miserly behavior
• miserly attitude
• miserly person

Synonyms for Miserly

• stingy
• tightfisted
• cheap
• frugal
• parsimonious

Opposites of Miserly

• generous
• lavish
• open-handed

Common mistakes with Miserly

• Confusing with 'parsimonious', which is more neutral in tone.
• Using it to describe something rather than a person.
• Mistaking 'miserly' for 'stingy' without context.

Frequently asked questions about Miserly

What does Miserly mean?

not willing to spend money

What is the definition of Miserly?

Unwilling to spend money; stingy.

How do you use Miserly in a sentence?

He was so miserly that he wouldn't even buy a cup of coffee for his friend.

Can you give another example of Miserly?

Her miserly behavior made it hard for her to keep friends around.

What are synonyms for Miserly?

Common alternatives include stingy, tightfisted, cheap, frugal, parsimonious.

What is the opposite of Miserly?

Opposite meanings include generous, lavish, open-handed.

What words go with Miserly?

It commonly pairs with miserly behavior, miserly attitude, miserly person.

What are common mistakes when using Miserly?

Confusing with 'parsimonious', which is more neutral in tone. Using it to describe something rather than a person. Mistaking 'miserly' for 'stingy' without context.

How do you pronounce Miserly?

US: //ˈmaɪzərli//, UK: //ˈmaɪzəli//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is Miserly formal or informal?

"Miserly" is formal, so it fits professional, business, or academic conversations.

When should I use Miserly?

Used to describe someone who is very careful with money and reluctant to spend. It can be negative in tone. Avoid in casual conversations.

What CEFR level is Miserly?

"Miserly" is at B1 level on the CEFR scale.