English · Emotions & Feelings
stingy
/ˈstɪn.dʒi/
[/ˈstɪn.dʒi/]
ungenerous, mean
Intermediateadjective
Definition
Unwilling to give or spend money, time, or resources, even when one can afford to.
Example
Their boss was so stingy that he refused to pay for coffee at the office meeting.
Their boss was so stingy that he refused to pay for coffee at the office meeting.
Etymology
Probably from dialectal 'stinge' (a sting), suggesting something sharp and grudging; in use from the early 19th century.
How & Where It’s Used
An informal, mildly critical word for people unwilling to share money or resources.