scanty
UK: ˈskænti | US: ˈskænti
adj. insufficient in quantity or extent
adj. barely adequate or minimal
adj. (of clothing) revealing; skimpy
The word "scanty" derives from the Old Norse "skamt," meaning "short" or "limited," combined with the English adjectival suffix "-y." Originally used to describe physical shortness or scarcity, it evolved to broadly signify insufficiency in quantity (e.g., resources) or coverage (e.g., clothing). The suffix "-y" reinforces the qualitative nature of the root, turning "scant" into a descriptor of inadequacy.
The team had only scanty evidence to support their theory.
Her scanty savings made the trip impossible.
The dancer wore a scanty costume for the performance.
Scanty rainfall led to crop failures in the region.
His scanty reply left everyone confused.