Sparing: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when you mean using something in small amounts or not very often. It's often used in contexts where the resource or item is limited.

• He was sparing with his compliments.
• Doctors are sparing with their prescriptions of antibiotics nowadays.

Often used to describe someone who is careful with their money and avoids waste. It can sometimes have a bit of a negative connotation, implying stinginess.

• She is extremely frugal, always looking for ways to save a few cents.
• He leads a frugal lifestyle, avoiding unnecessary expenses.

Ideal when speaking about something that is efficient in terms of cost, not wasting resources like money, time, or energy.

• This car is very economical on fuel.
• We need to find an economical solution for heating our home.

This word is similar to frugal but usually carries a more positive connotation. It suggests wise use of resources without seeming stingy.

• They are a thrifty family, always finding the best deals.
• Being thrifty, he managed to save a considerable amount of money over the years.

Suitable when you want to say that someone is using resources carefully and not using too much.

• She was sparing with her compliments
• We have to be sparing with our water usage during the drought

Used when you aim to save or maintain a resource over a long period, often related to energy or environment.

• We need to conserve our natural resources
• He tries to conserve energy by turning off lights when they're not needed

Best used when referring to maintaining something in its original or existing state, often used in terms of culture, history, or food.

• We should preserve our cultural heritage
• The museum aims to preserve ancient artifacts for future generations

An old-fashioned or formal term that means to manage resources carefully, often used in financial or agricultural contexts.

• During tough times, they had to husband their resources carefully
• The farmer knew how to husband his land well