miserly
UK: ˈmaɪzəli | US: ˈmaɪzərli
adj. unwilling to spend money; stingy or penny-pinching
adj. characterized by extreme frugality or meanness
The word "miserly" derives from the Latin miser (meaning "wretched" or "miserable"), which evolved in English to describe someone excessively greedy or hoarding wealth. The suffix -ly transforms the noun "miser" into an adjective, emphasizing the trait of stinginess. Historically, the concept tied miserliness to misery, suggesting that excessive frugality leads to unhappiness—a moral lesson embedded in the word's evolution.
His miserly habits made him reluctant to buy even basic necessities.
The landlord was so miserly that he refused to repair the leaking roof.
She criticized his miserly attitude toward charitable donations.
Despite his wealth, he lived a miserly life in a tiny apartment.
The company’s miserly budget cuts affected employee morale.