Pittance (noun)

1. A small amount of money, usually considered inadequate for the purpose or service it is intended for.
2. A very small or inadequate amount of something.

Origin:

The word pittance comes from the middle english word "pitioun" meaning "a small payment or allowance".

Examples:

1. The salary he was offered was a pittance compared to what he was worth.
2. He was paid a pittance for all the hard work he put in.
3. The pittance they gave her for her work was an insult.
4. The government offered them a pittance in compensation for their losses.
5. He was living on a pittance and barely able to make ends meet.