Niggardly

usgb/ˈnɪɡərdli/
adjective

Someone who is unwilling to spend or share money.

The niggardly old man refused to buy a new pair of shoes even when his old ones were falling apart.
Visual representation of "niggardly" - Someone who is unwilling to spend or share money

Often appears as...

  • niggardly with
  • niggardly amount

Usage tips

Formal

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "niggardly"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Negative Connotation

The term 'niggardly' often carries a negative judgment about someone's behavior, beyond just being careful with money.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
Everyone at the charity gala was appalled by the niggardly donation from the billionaire.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Rarely Positive

'Niggardly' is rarely used in a positive context, as it implies a fault or deficiency in generosity.

Illustration for Rarely Positive
Despite his wealth, his niggardly habits denied him the respect of his peers.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Cultural Sensitivity

Be careful as 'niggardly' may be mistaken for an offensive term due to phonetic similarity; context is crucial.

Illustration for Cultural Sensitivity
The professor advised caution when using 'niggardly' in his workshop on word choice.
Visual representation of the word "Niggardly"

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