economical

adjective

eco·​nom·​i·​cal ˌe-kə-ˈnä-mi-kəl How to pronounce economical (audio)
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
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 Iran’s national security establishment sees investing in asymmetric warfare as an economical means of gaining leverage against more powerful adversaries, especially the United States. Suzanne Maloney, Foreign Affairs, 8 Apr. 2024 In the end, the Mountain region, especially Wyoming, Utah, Montana, and Idaho, proved the most economical, while East Coast hubs like Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey were shown to be the worst places for retirees to live on a budget. Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2024 Others are looking for an economical product that doesn’t skimp them on value. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024 As manufacturers improve the design of batteries and scale up their production, the cost continues to decrease, gradually making lithium-ion more economical for longer durations. Amos Zeeberg, New York Times, 18 Mar. 2024 The most economical option will depend on the size of your tax debt and the level of complexity involved in your case. Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2024 Because of its generally lower cost-sharing and low premiums, an EPO is often one of the most economical health insurance choices. Elizabeth Davis, Verywell Health, 27 Feb. 2024 Unlike most helicopters, this RAM aircraft includes a lavatory and is still one of the most economical choices its array of capabilities at $14 million. Dan Sloat, Robb Report, 26 Feb. 2024 Wind and solar are the most economical energy solutions Today, wind and solar are cheaper to produce than many other types of electricity. Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'economical.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of economical was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near economical

Cite this Entry

“Economical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/economical. Accessed 20 Apr. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on economical

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