Ungenerous

Ungenerous is an adjective used to describe a person or action characterized by a lack or reluctance to give, share, or help. It conveys a deficiency in generosity and often carries connotations of stinginess or coldness rather than outright meanness.

Originating in English from the prefix un- attached to generous, the term forms in early modern English and has remained relatively formal. It is typically used to critique behavior that withholds aid, praise, or consideration, rather than to describe wealth alone. The word emphasizes attitude as much as the act.

Ungenerous can modify nouns such as "response," "offer," or "gesture," and can describe a person's disposition or decision-making. While it can apply to financial stinginess, it also covers social and emotional dimensions, such as failing to give time, encouragement, or recognition. In modern usage, it may seem slightly formal or literary compared with synonyms like stingy or petty.

Examples: "Her ungenerous reply surprised the guests." "He was ungenerous with his praise." "An ungenerous offer."

Common synonyms include stingy, parsimonious, close-fisted; antonyms include generous, charitable, giving. Related terms might include magnanimous in contexts contrasting warmth and generosity with restraint or selfishness.