Tightfistedness: meaning, definitions and examples

Describes someone who is overly cautious or reluctant to spend money. It is often used to highlight a negative personal trait related to thriftiness.

• Because of his tightfistedness, his children never got to enjoy family vacations.

Typically used to describe someone who is not generous with their money. It generally has a negative connotation, indicating a reluctance to share or spend.

• Her stinginess was the reason she often dined alone; no one wanted to split the bill with her.

Used when referring to an excessive unwillingness to spend money, and often implies an almost punitive level of stinginess. It carries a negative connotation.

• Due to his parsimony, the company’s office supplies were of the lowest possible quality.

Best suited when emphasizing extreme stinginess and a compulsion to hoard money, often at the expense of comfort and relationships. It has a strongly negative connotation.

• His miserliness was infamous in the neighborhood; he wouldn’t even replace his old torn shoes.

Used when speaking about saving money wisely, being economically efficient, and avoiding waste. It generally has a positive connotation.

• Her frugality allowed her to save enough money to buy a house within a few years.