In the United States, there have been several controversies involving the misunderstanding of the word niggardly, an adjective meaning "stingy" or "miserly", because of its phonetic similarity to …

stingy, close, niggardly, parsimonious, penurious, miserly mean being unwilling or showing unwillingness to share with others. stingy implies a marked lack of generosity.

NIGGARDLY definition: reluctant to give or spend; stingy; miserly. See examples of niggardly used in a sentence.

Jan 4, 2026 · Adverb niggardly (comparative more niggardly, superlative most niggardly) (now rare) In a parsimonious way; sparingly, stingily.

In proportion, as she becomes niggardly in her gifts, she exacts a greater price for her work.

Definition of niggardly adjective in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

1. Grudging and petty in giving or spending. 2. Meanly small; scanty or meager: left the waiter a niggardly tip.

Discover the meaning of 'niggardly', explore its usage in everyday language, popular idioms, and fun facts that make this word fascinating. Perfect for learners and curious minds!

The story is about a niggardly [= stingy, miserly] old man who learns to share what he has with others.

Niggardly is an adjective that describes someone who is stingy or miserly. A person who is niggardly is reluctant to spend money or provide resources, displaying an avaricious tendency …