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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.

“Expressed as a percentage of disposable income, it’s never been more economical to travel by air,” he said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

At times, it reminded me of John Carpenter’s little-seen, Lauren Hutton-starring 1978 film, “Someone’s Watching Me!,” an equally economical yet surprisingly stylish little TV movie that flaunted the still-budding horror legend’s early talents.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 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

Those factors have pushed the costs to build smelters and refineries in the U.S. beyond what is economical for many operations.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

That seems to me such an economical yet elegant way of giving praise while making a demand.

From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove

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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