Economical
/ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪkəl/
Definitions
Using resources carefully; avoiding waste or extravagance.
/ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪkəl/
Avoiding waste; efficient.
Buying in bulk is often an economical way to save money.
💡 Simply: Being economical is like being a smart shopper. It's about getting the best value for your money and not wasting things. Imagine you find a cheap but great-tasting apple – that's an economical choice!
👶 For kids: Being economical means using things in a smart way so you don't waste them. Like, turning off the lights when you leave a room!
More Examples
The new engine design is more economical than the old one.
She made economical use of her time by multitasking.
How It's Used
"An economical business model is key to maximizing profits."
"The company implemented economical practices to reduce overhead."
"She drives an economical car to save on fuel costs."
Idioms & expressions
economical with the truth
To not be entirely truthful; to tell only part of the truth or to avoid being completely honest.
"He was being economical with the truth about his past."
From Late Latin oeconomicus, from Greek oikonomikos ('of household management'), from oikos ('house') + nomos ('law, management'). Influenced by the word 'economy'.
The term has evolved from originally relating to household management to encompass wider areas of efficient resource utilization and cost-effectiveness.
Memory tip
Think of a car that uses fuel carefully - it is economical.
Word Origin
"relating to household management"