Definitions

penny-wise

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economical adj.
frugal adj.

ADJECTIVE

economical

Synonyms

STRONGEST

cost-effective efficient practical prudent

WEAK

avaricious canny chary circumspect close closefisted curmudgeonly frugal meager mean methodical miserly money-saving on the rims parsimonious penny-pinching penurious provident prudential saving scrimping skimping spare sparing stingy thrifty tight time-saving unwasteful watchful work-saving

Antonyms

STRONGEST

inefficient

WEAK

careless uncareful uneconomical unreasonable wasteful

ADJECTIVE

frugal

Synonyms

STRONGEST

canny careful meticulous prudent stingy thrifty

WEAK

abstemious chary conserving discreet meager mingy parsimonious penny-pinching preserving provident saving scrimping sparing spartan tight tightwad unwasteful wary

Antonyms

STRONGEST

careless incautious spendthrift wasteful

WEAK

generous lavish spendthrifty uneconomical

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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penny-wise

In fiscal terms, the budget cuts are penny-wise and galactically foolish.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 9, 2025

However, penny-wise, profit-driven developers want homes closer together on narrow streets that allow for more buildings.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 20, 2023

Ms Devlin added the move is a "penny-wise and pound-foolish approach to workforce".

From BBC ● May 15, 2023

This is a case of being penny-wise and pound-foolish.

From Washington Post ● May 25, 2022

He is the penny-wise and pound-foolish individual, and his methods are "near enough."

From Grain and Chaff from an English Manor by Arthur H. Savory

penny-wise

Example Sentences

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