scrimp

verb

ˈskrimp 

scrimped; scrimping; scrimps

transitive verb

1

: to be stingy in providing for

2

: to make too small, short, or scanty

intransitive verb

: to be frugal or stingy

scrimpy

ˈskrim-pē 

adjective

Synonyms

• economize
• pinch
• save
• skimp
• spare

Examples of scrimp in a Sentence

They scrimped and saved for their big vacation.

had to scrimp and save for years in order to be able to afford a house

Recent Examples on the Web

While critics have argued for years that the health plans cost taxpayers too much, the industry also has come under fire more recently for allegedly scrimping on vital health care, even dumping hundreds of thousands of members whose health plans proved unprofitable. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2024

To achieve these goals without scrimping on style, designers have made significant changes to today’s luxury bathrooms, reinventing their layouts, incorporating technology, and exploring a range of finishes and materials both punchy and pristine. —Dan Howarth, Architectural Digest, 30 Sep. 2024

Inflation is causing people to scrimp – and splurge. —Betty Lin-Fisher, USA TODAY, 10 June 2024

While shopping, some chefs scrimped by choosing inexpensive products and sharing ingredients with one another. —Rachel Bernhard, Journal Sentinel, 17 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Swedish skrympa to shrink, Middle Low German schrempen to contract — more at shrimp

First Known Use

circa 1691, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

scrimp

verb

ˈskrimp 

1

: to make too small or short : skimp

2

: economize sense 1