Paltry Trashy, trivial, of little value. Synonyms: insignificant, unimportant, petty, trivial Of little monetary worth. Synonyms: meager, worthless, pitiful, trifling Despicable Usage notes Nouns to which "paltry" is often applied: sum, rate, amount, number, price, salary, wages, fellow, pay, excuse, income, gain, compensation.