economical

adjective

eco·​nom·​i·​cal ˌe-kə-ˈnä-mi-kəl 

ˌē-kə-

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 sense 5

Synonyms of economical

• economizing
• saving
• frugal
• thrifty
• prudent
• conserving
• provident
• sparing

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Examples of economical in a Sentence

an economical way to heat your house

a practical and economical solution to the problem

Recent Examples on the Web

Often situated right next to HomeGoods, many people forget about this flourishing neighbor when on the hunt for economical home finds. —Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 18 Dec. 2025

While humidifiers are a better choice for houseplant collections, a pebble tray is an economical alternative to raise humidity around a single plant or two. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Dec. 2025

Paying a hefty one-time parking fee might be more economical than paying for Ubers both ways, or vice-versa. —Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 1 Dec. 2025

However, with the current political and economical uncertainties — something rivaling the Lehman shock of 2008 — and particularly with evermore increasing anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies, our work is more urgent than ever. —Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin oeconomicus "relating to domestic affairs, economic" + -al entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing economical

• economical prices

Rhymes for economical

• anatomical
• astronomical
• comical
• neuroanatomical
• uneconomical

Kids Definition

economical

adjective

ec·​o·​nom·​i·​cal

ˌek-ə-ˈnäm-i-kəl, 

ˌē-kə-

1

: using resources with care and without waste

2

: operating with little waste or at a savings

an economical car

economically

-i-k(ə-)lē

adverb