economical

adjective eco·nom·i·cal \ ˌe-kə-ˈnä-mi-kəl , ˌē-kə- \

|Updated on: 14 Aug 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: economical in a Sentence

Definition of economical

1 : marked by careful, efficient, and prudent use of resources : thrifty

an economical shopper

2 : operating with little waste or at a saving

an economical car

3 archaic : economic 5

See economical defined for English-language learners

See economical defined for kids

Examples of economical in a Sentence

an economical way to heat your house
a practical and economical solution to the problem

Recent Examples of economical from the Web

All these meat cuts are economical and go a long way.

— susan selasky, charlotteobserver, "Celebrate the Fourth with minimal fuss, maximum flavor," 3 July 2018
The state colleges are the most accessible and economical pathway to a professional career for most of Florida’s residents.

— miamiherald, "Leigh-Ann Buchanan," 30 June 2018
The biggest engine that has driven these changes is economical.

— margaret coker, New York Times, "Saudi Women Can Drive, but Here’s the Real Roadblock," 22 June 2018
Smaller campers and trailers allow for easier travel, are more economical, and can be a good option for anyone who needs to fit their camper in a garage or storage facility.

— megan barber, Curbed, "Tiny camper pod expands to 3 times its size in seconds," 25 Apr. 2018
Package deals are usually more economical than ordering piecemeal.

— pamela dittmer mckuen, chicagotribune.com, "Costly condo disclosure papers can hit buyers where it hurts," 15 May 2017
In a regional market, those sources would start to push out less economical plants burning coal, proponents say.

— david r. baker, SFChronicle.com, "Despite fear of Trump, California considers sharing control of power grid," 16 June 2018
There is physical, economical, judiciary and legal security here.

— rene rodriguez, miamiherald, "This Argentine family visited Miami in 2001 — and changed the city forever," 11 June 2018
But the measure’s fine print seeks to deter repeats of the ecologically damaging and less economical reservoirs of the 1900s.

— kurtis alexander, San Francisco Chronicle, "Major water projects hit funding barriers as California questions value," 3 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'economical.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of economical

15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 3

See Words from the same year

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economical Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of economical

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

Other Economics Terms

actuary, compound interest, globalization, indemnity, portfolio, rentier, stagflation, usurer

ECONOMICAL Defined for English Language Learners

economical

adjective

Definition of economical for English Language Learners

: using money, resources, etc., carefully
—used to describe a product that is not expensive to own and use

ECONOMICAL Defined for Kids

economical

adjective eco·nom·i·cal \ ˌe-kə-ˈnä-mi-kəl , ˌē- \

Definition of economical for Students

1 : using what is available carefully and without waste : frugal

economical cooking

2 : operating with little waste

an economical car

—

economically

adverb

Synonym Discussion of economical

economical, thrifty, and sparing mean careful in the use of money or goods. economical means using things in the best possible way without wasting anything.