Puny
/ˈpjuːni/adjective
Small or weak.
The puppy looks so puny compared to its mother.
Often appears as...
- puny efforts
- puny creature
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Strength Implication
Use 'puny' to express physical smallness or lack of strength, often with a dismissive tone.
Even with his puny arms, he managed to lift the box.
Pro Tip 2/3Underestimation
When calling something 'puny', it suggests that it's too small or weak to be effective or valuable.
Despite their puny size, ants can carry objects many times their weight.
Pro Tip 3/3Descriptive Scale
'Puny' is relative; what is puny to one may not be to another. Context is key.
To a giant, the large boulder was merely a puny stone.
Compare with
delicatefeeblefrailsmalltinyweak
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