Economical: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when talking about something that saves money or resources over time, often in relation to practicality.

• His car is very economical in terms of fuel consumption.
• Buying in bulk is more economical in the long run.

Appropriate for situations where something provides good value for the amount of money spent, often used in business or project planning.

• The new marketing strategy is cost-effective and has increased sales significantly.
• Installing solar panels can be a cost-effective solution for reducing energy bills.

Describes a person who makes wise and economical decisions about spending money, usually has a positive connotation.

• She is a thrifty shopper, always finding the best deals.
• Their thrifty habits have helped them save for a down payment on a house.

Used for describing a person who is careful and sparing with money, often implies simplicity and avoidance of excess. Can have a slightly negative connotation if it suggests being overly stingy.

• Living a frugal lifestyle, they manage to save a significant amount of money each month.
• He is frugal with his spending, always looking for discounts and deals.

Refers to something that uses time, money, or resources wisely without waste, often used to describe processes or systems.

• The new machine is more efficient, reducing production time by half.
• She is very efficient in managing her daily tasks.