Definitions

penny-wise

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.

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Seattle Times

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

From BBC

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

From Washington Post

But the strategy is penny-wise, pound-foolish — not to mention cruel.

From Washington Post