Meagreness or Meagerness: Which Is Correct?

Both "meagreness" and "meagerness" are correct spellings, and they have the same meaning. The difference lies in the preferred spelling based on the regional variation of English:

"Meagreness" is more commonly used in British English.
"Meagerness" is the preferred spelling in American English.

"Meagerness" ("meagreness" in British English) is a noun that refers to the state or quality of being meager. "Meager" ("meagre" in British English) is an adjective that describes something that is lacking in quantity, quality, or substance. When something is meager, it means there is not enough of it, or it is insufficient or inadequate in size, amount, or richness.

So, when we talk about "meagerness," we are talking about the condition or characteristic of being meager. It represents a state of scarcity, thinness, or smallness, where there is a notable lack of abundance or fullness.

Example sentences

Despite their efforts, they could not overcome the meagerness of available resources.
Despite his hard work, he could only survive on the meagerness of his earnings.
The meagerness of evidence in the case led to the defendant's acquittal.
The meagerness of available resources made it challenging to complete the project.
In the desert, the meagerness of water sources posed a significant threat to travelers.
The meagerness of her explanation left everyone confused.
The meagerness of the audience turnout was disheartening for the performers.
The meagerness of their savings prevented them from taking a vacation.
The meagerness of opportunities in the small town compelled him to move to the city.
The meagerness of the winter harvest caused concern among farmers.

Want to sound like a native speaker?

Engram’s AI-powered grammar checker makes your English sound like a native speaker’s, suggesting natural English expressions on top of fixing grammar, spelling, punctuation, word order, and vocabulary.