verb
skimp
SKIHMP
verb
1
To spend or use less of something than is really needed, to save money or effort.
"Don't skimp on insulation, or you'll regret it in winter."
"She refused to skimp on ingredients for the cake."
How to Use Skimp
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo cut corners by not spending or using enough of something.
Easily confused with
scrimp
Common pairings
skimp on quality
skimp on ingredients
skimp on details
Word Forms
more skimp comparative, skimped past tense, skimped past tense, skimps plural, skimps singular, skimps singular, most skimp superlative
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Etymology
Likely of North Germanic origin, related to a root meaning "to mock" or "to gesture," though the modern "save/scrimp" sense developed separately.