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Definitions

economical

[ek-uh-nom-i-kuhl, ee-kuh-] / ˌɛk əˈnɒm ɪ kəl, ˌi kə- /
ADJECTIVE
conservative with resources; careful
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 penny-wise 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
inexpensive
Synonyms
STRONGEST
cheap reasonable
WEAK
bare-bones bought for a song cost next to nothing cost nothing cut-rate dime a dozen dirt-cheap dog cheap fair low low tariff low-priced marked down moderate modest on sale quite a buy reduced sound steal
Antonyms
STRONGEST
expensive
WEAK
uneconomical unreasonable

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.

For most of its runtime, “Undertone” is a new, defining example of economical horror filmmaking.

From Salon • Mar. 15, 2026

California oil production has been on the decline since the 1980s, largely because existing oil fields are becoming depleted and there are more economical places to produce.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 14, 2026

As a result, researchers have been searching for a more efficient and economical way to produce these exceptionally tough materials.

From Science Daily • Mar. 13, 2026

He knows the conditions, knows his game and can bowl economical and rapid spells.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

If successful experimentation depends on nature being economical and regular, then the study of the magnet after Gilbert seemed to undermine the conviction that this was so.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Vocabulary lists containing economical

Commonly Confused Words, List 1

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"A Retrieved Reformation" by O. Henry

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Ronald Reagan, "Tear Down This Wall" (1987)

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