economical

adjective

eco·​nom·​i·​cal ˌe-kə-ˈnä-mi-kəl 

ˌē-kə-

1

: marked by careful, efficient, and prudent use of resources : thrifty

an economical shopper

2

: operating with little waste or at a saving

an economical car

3

archaic : economic sense 5

Synonyms

• economizing
• frugal
• provident
• scrimping
• sparing
• thrifty

Choose the Right Synonym for economical

sparing, frugal, thrifty, economical mean careful in the use of one's money or resources.

sparing stresses abstention and restraint.

sparing in the offering of advice

frugal implies absence of luxury and simplicity of lifestyle.

ran a frugal household

thrifty stresses good management and industry.

thrifty use of nonrenewable resources

economical stresses prudent management, lack of wastefulness, and use of things to their best advantage.

an economical health care plan

Examples of economical in a Sentence

an economical way to heat your house

a practical and economical solution to the problem

Recent Examples on the Web

There are many wallpaper types and a range of prices and types, but shopping for peel-and-stick wallpaper is an economical option to improve your space. —Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 27 Mar. 2025

Far From the Best, But Good Enough for the Price The JLab Go Pop ANC earbuds are incredibly economical at $29.99. —PC Magazine, 26 Mar. 2025

Reality check: Renovations have become the more economical and realistic option for homeowners as limited inventory and high interest rates make a new home purchase less attainable. —Carrie Shepherd, Axios, 25 Mar. 2025

Oz Small Dehumidifier Good for rooms of up to 280 square feet, this compact dehumidifier is an economical choice that doesn’t leave a large footprint. —Ho Lin, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin oeconomicus "relating to domestic affairs, economic" + -al entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing economical

• economical prices

Rhymes for economical

• anatomical
• astronomical
• comical
• neuroanatomical
• uneconomical

Kids Definition

economical

adjective

ec·​o·​nom·​i·​cal

ˌek-ə-ˈnäm-i-kəl,

ˌē-kə-

1

: using resources with care and without waste

2

: operating with little waste or at a savings

an economical car

economically

-i-k(ə-)lē

adverb