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.

This will obviate the need to travel to entertainment venues and make access economical and on-demand.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 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

Part of the Brassicaceae family, cabbage has a historical reputation for being an economical choice of food.

From Salon • Feb. 21, 2026

Good English is clear English: it’s efficient, precise, sensible, economical, sometimes even beautiful.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner

economical

Example Sentences

Related Words