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adj

economical

ee-kuh-NOM-ih-kuhl
adj
1
Careful with money or resources; not wasteful.
"She's always been economical, saving a little from every paycheck."
2
Efficient in the use of money, materials, or effort; good value.
"This car is far more economical on fuel than our old one."
"The recipe is a good, economical way to feed a large family."

How to Use Economical

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishNot wasteful — either a person who's careful with money, or a thing that offers good value for what it costs.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "economic," which relates to the economy in general rather than personal thriftiness.

Easily confused with
Common pairings
economical car economical use of economical with the truth

Word Forms

more economical comparative, most economical superlative

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Fill the Gap

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She's always been _____, saving a little from every paycheck.

Rhymes for economical

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial