Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

tinpot

adjective
/ˈtɪnpɒt/
Definition
A term used to describe something or someone of inferior quality or small importance, often in the context of authority or power.
Examples
  • The board dismissed his suggestions, considering them to be from a tinpot adviser.
  • Despite his tinpot attitude, he managed to persuade a few people to follow his lead.
  • Her tinpot attempts at showing authority only made her look foolish.
Meaning
Tinpot is often used to describe an insignificant leader or a low-level official who wields power in a pretentious, trivial, or overblown manner.
Synonyms
  • insignificant
  • petty
  • trivial
  • small-time
  • minor