Penuriously describes an action or manner characterized by extreme frugality, stinginess, or a reluctance to spend money. It suggests a lack of generosity, a tightfisted approach to finances, and a tendency to skimp and save even when it might not be necessary or prudent. The term often implies a certain degree of miserliness or avarice. It conveys a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of warmth, compassion, and a certain narrowness of mind focused solely on accumulating and preserving wealth, possibly at the expense of others or one's own comfort.
Penuriously meaning with examples
- The old miser lived penuriously, eating only the cheapest food and wearing threadbare clothes, even though he possessed a vast fortune. His relatives often visited seeking funds, however, he refused giving so much as a single dollar to any of them. This caused many of his family members to shun him.
- Despite inheriting a considerable sum, the trust manager continued to live penuriously, hoarding the money and rarely indulging in anything beyond the bare necessities. His friends often suggested taking a holiday. He replied saying he had no need to waste funds on such frivilous pursuits.
- The company's executives, in an effort to maximize profits, began to operate penuriously, cutting back on employee benefits and office supplies, even though the business was thriving. This resulted in a decreased quality of life for the employees.
- The town council, facing budget constraints, addressed the financial short fall and began to act penuriously, delaying essential infrastructure projects and reducing funding for vital community services. They were constantly trying to make cuts in all the wrong places, in the opinion of the locals.
- After losing everything in the stock market crash, the once wealthy investor was forced to live penuriously, learning to appreciate the value of even the smallest possessions and how valuable such a life can be. He was never happier, he said, as the money was no longer a burden on his mind and heart.