adjective

lumpig

shabby

Definition & meaning

lumpig is an adjective with several related meanings:

Shabby, ragged, or poor-looking
It describes something that looks neglected, worn out, or of very poor quality.
- lumpige Kleidung = shabby clothing
- eine lumpige Unterkunft = a run-down accommodation
Paltry, measly, or pitifully small
It can describe an amount that is disappointingly small or inadequate.
- ein lumpiger Betrag = a measly amount
- lumpige zehn Euro = a paltry ten euros
Mean, stingy, or contemptible
When describing a person’s behavior or treatment of others, it can mean morally shabby, unfair, or ungenerous.
- Das war eine lumpige Bezahlung. = That was a miserably low payment.
- Er hat sich lumpig verhalten. = He behaved meanly or dishonorably.

The word is usually negative and often expresses contempt.

Grammar & Word origin

lumpig is an adjective. Its forms include:

comparative: lumpiger = shabbier, meaner, more paltry
superlative: am lumpigsten = the shabbiest, meanest, or most paltry

It is formed from the noun Lump , meaning a ragged or disreputable person, a scoundrel, or a contemptible person, with the adjective suffix -ig . Literally, it originally suggested “like a Lump.”

Synonyms & antonyms

The appropriate synonym depends on the meaning:

schäbig — shabby or morally contemptible; often very close to lumpig
ärmlich — poor-looking or impoverished, but usually less insulting
heruntergekommen — run-down or neglected, especially for places or objects
minderwertig — inferior in quality; more neutral and factual
mickrig — pitifully small or inadequate, especially an amount
dürftig [?](vocabuo://word dürftig) — meager or insufficient; less emotionally harsh
geizig — stingy with money, whereas lumpig can also imply general meanness or dishonorable treatment
gemein — mean or nasty, but not necessarily shabby or paltry