n. The state of being mean in grade or quality; want of dignity or distinction; commonness; poorness; rudeness.n. Want of mental elevation or dignity, destitution of spirit or honor; contemptibleness; baseness.n. Sordid illiberality; stinginess; over-selfish economy in small things; niggardliness.n. Synonyms Abjectness, lowness, lowliness, scantiness. slenderness. See abject.n. 2 and Littleness, Meanness, illiberality, sordidness, penuriousness, closeness, miserliness. Littleness applies to more than meanness applies to, as the understanding and the affections; it is the opposite of all largeness of nature, and especially of magnanimity. Meanness is directly selfish, but in a sordid, groveling, pinching fashion; it is the opposite of nobleness and generosity. See penuriousness.n. A mean, vindictive spirit.