scant
Say it: SKANT /skænt/ · adjective
What “scant” means
Very little, barely enough.
More precisely: Barely enough; very little.
Example: “The report paid scant attention to costs, which worried the finance team.”
When to use it
For a very small amount of something needed, such as evidence or attention. Slightly formal, often suggesting there should be more.
Similar words
little, minimal, scarce
Where it comes from
From Old Norse skamt, "short."
Quick check
You have only a few scraps of information to explain a complicated accident. Which word describes the evidence?
scant or concise?
Show the answer
scant
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