economical
Economical describes the practice of using resources such as money, time, or materials carefully and without waste. It implies being efficient and cost-effective, often achieving a desired result while spending as little as possible.
Examples
3 of 5It is much more economical to buy household supplies in bulk rather than individual packs.
It is much more economical to buy household supplies in bulk rather than individual packs.
The proposed infrastructure project must be assessed to ensure it is the most economical use of public funds.
The proposed infrastructure project must be assessed to ensure it is the most economical use of public funds.
If we want to save for the trip, we need to find an economical way to eat this week.
If we want to save for the trip, we need to find an economical way to eat this week.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Remember that 'economical' has more letters (AL) than 'economic.' Think: 'Economical is AL-most free.'
Quick Quiz
The new hybrid engine is much more _______ than the older gasoline model, saving us hundreds in fuel costs.
Correct!
The correct answer is: economical
Examples
It is much more economical to buy household supplies in bulk rather than individual packs.
everydayIt is much more economical to buy household supplies in bulk rather than individual packs.
The proposed infrastructure project must be assessed to ensure it is the most economical use of public funds.
formalThe proposed infrastructure project must be assessed to ensure it is the most economical use of public funds.
If we want to save for the trip, we need to find an economical way to eat this week.
informalIf we want to save for the trip, we need to find an economical way to eat this week.
The poet is known for his economical style, conveying complex emotions with very few words.
academicThe poet is known for his economical style, conveying complex emotions with very few words.
Streamlining our supply chain will make our logistics operations more economical in the long run.
businessStreamlining our supply chain will make our logistics operations more economical in the long run.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
economical with the truth
economical with the truth (euphemism for lying or omitting facts)
economical of effort
economical of effort
economical to run
economical to run
Often Confused With
Economic relates to the economy of a country or region, while economical refers to saving money or resources.
Usage Notes
Use 'economical' when you want to praise something for being efficient or low-cost. It is commonly used for appliances (low energy), cars (low fuel), and writing (concise).
Common Mistakes
The most common mistake is using 'economic' when you mean 'economical.' For example, saying 'an economic car' is wrong unless the car relates to the study of economics; it should be 'an economical car.'
Memory Tip
Remember that 'economical' has more letters (AL) than 'economic.' Think: 'Economical is AL-most free.'
Word Origin
Derived from the Greek 'oikonomos,' which means 'manager of a household.'
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many Western cultures, being 'economical' is seen as a virtue related to sustainability and environmental consciousness, not just being 'cheap.'
Quick Quiz
The new hybrid engine is much more _______ than the older gasoline model, saving us hundreds in fuel costs.
Correct!
The correct answer is: economical
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
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