meaner

Adjective

mean (comparative meaner, superlative meanest)

1. (obsolete) Common; general.
2. (archaic) Of a common or low origin, grade, or quality; common; humble.
   • a man of mean parentage
3. Low in quality or degree; inferior; poor; shabby.
   • a mean appearance

   Synonyms:

   cheap, grotty, ass, bad, base, below par, bottom-shelf, BTEC, bum, cheap and nasty

4. Without dignity of mind; destitute of honour; low-minded; spiritless; base.
   • You hurt her feelings - that was a mean thing to do.

   Synonyms:

   base, ignoble, selfish, unkind, vile

   Antonyms:

   lofty, noble, honorable

5. Of little value or worth; worthy of little or no regard; contemptible; despicable.
   • The Roman legions and great Caesar found / Our fathers no mean foes.1708, [John Philips], “(please specify the page)”, in Cyder. […], London: […] J[acob] Tonson, […], →OCLC
6. (UK) Ungenerous; stingy; tight-fisted.
   • He's so mean. I've never seen him spend so much as five pounds on presents for his children.

   Synonyms:

   as tight as Dick's hatband, cheap, cheeseparing, chintzy, close, close as wax, close-fisted, illiberal, miserable, miserly

See all 32 meanings of mean