Frugal: meaning, definitions and examples

When someone uses their money or resources wisely and avoids waste, often by choosing the simplest, least expensive option.

• She was very frugal with her money, always looking for sales and discounts
• They lived a frugal lifestyle, growing their own vegetables and rarely eating out

When someone is good at managing money and resources well without being wasteful, often associated with a positive sense of prudence and smart spending.

• He is a thrifty shopper, always finding the best deals
• Her thrifty nature helped her save a lot of money over the years

When something is cheap to buy or use, often implying practicality and efficiency; can refer to actions, objects, or choices.

• The car is very economical, using very little fuel
• Being economical, he decided to cook at home instead of eating out

When someone puts money aside for future use, typically implying an active effort to accumulate wealth or reserves.

• She is saving money for her college education
• They are saving up to buy a new house

When someone pays close attention to detail and tries to avoid mistakes or waste; can apply to various aspects, not just financial.

• He is careful with his finances, always checking his bank statements
• She is a careful driver, always aware of her surroundings

Used to describe someone who is careful about spending money or resources.

• He is very frugal with his expenses and prefers to save rather than spend unnecessarily
• She lives a frugal lifestyle by cooking at home and avoiding luxury items

Describes something that is simple and not advanced, often just the essentials without any extras.

• The hotel room was very basic, with just a bed and a small desk
• His knowledge of French is basic, enough to hold a simple conversation

Indicates simplicity and humility, often in achievements and appearances.

• She always remains modest about her accomplishments, never boasting about her success
• They lead a modest life in a small house, without seeking luxury

Refers to something that is simple in appearance and design, without decoration or complexity.

• She wore a plain dress without any embellishments
• The meal was plain but filling, consisting of rice and vegetables

Used to describe someone or something that does not try to impress others with an artificial or false appearance of importance.

• Their home is unpretentious, reflecting their simple and honest lifestyle
• Despite his success, he remains unpretentious and approachable

Used to describe someone who is careful with their spending and avoids waste, often seen positively as being wise with resources.

• She is very frugal, always looking for bargains and sales
• They live a frugal lifestyle, making their own meals and avoiding unnecessary expenses

Describes someone who regularly sets aside money for future use, often seen positively as being financially responsible.

• She is a dedicated saver, always putting a portion of her salary into a savings account
• As a saver, he prefers to invest in long-term financial plans

Refers to someone who makes a conscious effort to reduce costs and save money, often in a specific situation or context.

• As an economizer, he always finds ways to cut down on electricity bills
• The company hired an economizer to manage their budget more effectively

Has a negative connotation and is used to describe someone who is overly reluctant to spend money, often viewed as being excessively stingy or miserly.

• He’s such a penny-pincher that he refuses to tip at restaurants
• Calling her a penny-pincher, they complained about her reluctance to contribute to group gifts