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

Stax so his drumming was so solid and in the pocket, economical with his high hats, a joy to hear. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026

That concision is evident in an almost brutally economical edit and in sharp, precise writing which provides narrative elements and deftly sketches character before moving busily on. — Caspar Salmon, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026

The study, published in Scientific Reports, found that the most aggressive driving style generated far higher battery-aging stress than smoother, more economical driving. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 20 Aug. 2026

Research shows internal mobility is far more economical than external hiring, but requires strong relational capital. — Susan Lamotte, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

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