Pittance

A pittance is a small or inadequate amount of money, often insufficient for basic needs, or an allowance that is considered a meager compensation for one's work or hard efforts. It conveys a sense of unfairness or inadequacy, as if the amount received does not correspond to the value or labor put forth by the individual. The term is often used to express dissatisfaction with wages or financial support.

Pittance meaning with examples

• Despite working long hours at the factory, Sarah received a pittance for her labor, making it even more difficult for her to support her family. She often found herself juggling multiple jobs, yet none offered enough pay to escape the cycle of poverty. This reality was demoralizing, as she felt her hard work deserved recognition and better compensation, leading her to seek new employment opportunities that would value her skills properly.
• After years of dedicated service to the company, John was surprised to learn that his retirement package amounted to a pittance. He had envisioned a comfortable future, yet the money he received was barely enough to cover basic living expenses. Faced with this grim reality, John started looking for part-time work, only to realize that many industries offered similarly low wages, leaving him to wonder if anyone truly valued loyalty.
• When the non-profit organization announced cuts to its workforce, the severance offered to employees was a mere pittance. Many who had dedicated years to the mission felt that their commitment deserved more substantial compensation. As they faced a challenging job market, this financial shortfall created additional anxiety among ex-employees, who now had to weather uncertain times with insufficient funds to support themselves and their families.
• The scholarship provided to prospective students came as a pittance, only covering a fraction of tuition costs. For many, this left them wondering if pursuing higher education was worth the financial strain, as they would graduate with significant debt. The disparity between costs and available support highlighted the need for increased funding and better financial assistance, so that students could focus on their studies without the looming threat of crippling financial burdens.