pittance
UK: ˈpɪt(ə)ns | US: ˈpɪtns
n. a very small or inadequate amount of money paid to someone as an allowance or wage.
n. a meager portion or share of something.
The word "pittance" traces back to the concept of charity or small alms given out of piety. Over time, it shifted from denoting a modest charitable gift to emphasizing inadequacy—reflecting how even well-intentioned donations could be insufficient. The suffix "-ance" solidifies its noun form, encapsulating the idea of a meager share.
The workers were paid a pittance for their long hours of labor.
He survived on a pittance while writing his first novel.
The scholarship offered was a pittance compared to the cost of tuition.
She donated a pittance to the fundraiser, apologizing for not giving more.
In some countries, farmers earn a pittance for their crops due to unfair trade practices.