Parsimoniousness: meaning, definitions and examples

This word often has a negative connotation, describing someone who is excessively unwilling to spend money, almost to a fault.

• His parsimoniousness was evident when he refused to buy necessary equipment for the office
• She complained about his parsimoniousness, saying he never spent money on anything enjoyable

Frugality is ideal in situations where someone is prudently saving and avoiding waste, often perceived positively.

• Her frugality allowed her to save enough money for her dream vacation
• He admired their frugality when they reused old materials to make new furniture

Thriftiness is used to describe a positive trait where someone is good at managing their money and resources, often linked with being industrious and resourceful.

• His thriftiness allowed him to invest wisely and retire early
• She was praised for her thriftiness in managing the project budget effectively

Stinginess is very negative and describes someone who is not just careful with money but begrudges every cent spent.

• Her stinginess made her unpopular among her friends
• The boss's stinginess showed when he underpaid his employees despite the company's record profits

This is best used when managing resources or spending wisely without waste, often in a larger context such as household budgeting or national financial policies.

• He showed great economy by cutting down unnecessary expenses
• The government implemented measures for greater economy in public spending

This term is often used in formal settings to describe someone who spends money very cautiously and sparingly, usually to save for a significant goal or due to a strict budget.

• His parsimoniousness allowed him to save enough money to travel the world after retirement

This word carries a negative connotation and is frequently used to criticize someone who hoards wealth and is unwilling to share or spend it, even when it's necessary.

• Her miserliness was evident when she refused to donate to charity, despite having an enormous fortune

This term has a negative connotation, describing someone who is reluctant to spend money or share resources, even to the detriment of others.

• His stinginess was apparent when he made his friends pay for their own drinks at his birthday party

Used both formally and informally, this word suggests an unwillingness to spend money, often seen as excessive or unreasonable.

• Her tightfistedness became a problem when she refused to replace the old, broken office equipment

Often used informally, it refers to the habit of saving or spending as little money as possible, sometimes excessively so, and can have a slightly negative tone.

• John's penny-pinching ways meant he never joined us for lunch at restaurants