Main Entry: sparing

Function: adjective

Date: 14th century

1 : marked by or practicing careful restraint (as in the use of resources)
2 : meager, bare <the map is sparing of information>

— spar·ing·ly adverb

synonyms sparing, frugal, thrifty, economical mean careful in the use of one's money or resources. sparing stresses abstention and restraint <sparing in the offering of advice>. frugal implies absence of luxury and simplicity of lifestyle <ran a frugal household>. thrifty stresses good management and industry <thrifty use of nonrenewable resources>. economical stresses prudent management, lack of wastefulness, and use of things to their best advantage <an economical health-care plan>.