economical
(Informal)
[adjective]
Synonyms:
- thrifty, careful, frugal, prudent, scrimping, sparing
- cost-effective, efficient, money-saving, sparing, time-saving

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Antonyms: extravagant
Contrasted words: generous, lavish, wasteful
Related Words: careful, forehanded, prudent, economizing, penny-wise, cheeseparing, close, mean, miserly, niggardly, penny-pinching, penurious, scrimping, skimping, spare, stingy

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English Thesaurus: cheap, low, inexpensive, reasonable, economical, ...

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

ec‧o‧nom‧i‧cal AC /ˌekəˈnɒmɪkəl, ˌiː- $ -ˈnɑː-/ adjective
[Word Family: noun: economics, economist, economy; adjective: economic, economical ≠ UNECONOMIC(AL), economy; verb: economize; adverb: economically ≠ uneconomically]

1. using money, time, goods etc carefully and without wasting any ⇒ economic:
A small car is more economical to run.
good-quality clothes at economical prices

2. economical with the truth used humorously to say that someone is not telling the truth

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

economical
adj.
VERBS be, seem Solid fuel would be more economical.
ADV. extremely, highly, remarkably, very This new oven is highly economical.
fairly, quite
PREP. in This arrangement is more economical in its use of staff.
of more economical of time and resources
with This arrangement is more economical with space.

[TahlilGaran] Collocations Dictionary ▲

economical
adjective
BAD: The undeveloped countries need economical support.
GOOD: The undeveloped countries need economic support.
BAD: The economical crisis was caused by a sudden increase in the size of the population.
GOOD: The economic crisis was caused by a sudden increase in the size of the population.

Usage Note:
ECONOMIC · ECONONOMICAL · ECONOMICS · ECONOMIST ·ECONOMY · INEXPENSIVE · SAVINGS
Economic means connected with the economy of a country or region; ‘The country’s economic growth is considered to be too slow.’
Economical describes something that is cheaper to use or operate than something similar: ‘The house has a very economical heating system.’ ‘Gas or electricity? Which is more economical?’ ‘The large size is more economical.’
Economics is (1) the study of how money is earned, spent and controlled within a country: ‘He’s now in his second year at Oxford, studying economics.’ ‘an economics graduate’ (2) the financial aspects of something: ‘the economics of dairy farming’
Economist An economist is an expert in economics: ‘Economists remain undecided about what action should be taken.’
Economy means (1) the financial and business system that exists in a country, which aims to produce wealth: ‘The government’s management of the economy has been severely criticised.’ (2) a way of reducing the amount of money that is spent: ‘The first economy to be introduced by the new government involved the reduction of fuel consumption.’ (3) (used as a modifier) money-saving: ‘Buy the giant economy size and save money!’
Inexpensive If something is inexpensive , it costs less than you might expect: ‘This excellent but inexpensive hotel can be thoroughly recommended.’ ‘Denmark is famous for its friendly people and inexpensive accommodation.’
Savings is money saved over a period of time, usually by a person or family: ‘I’m paying for the course out of my own savings.’ ‘She invested her life savings in the new business.’

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Common Errors ▲

cheap costing very little money, or less than you expected:
My shoes were really cheap – they only cost £25.
The cheapest way to get to Chicago is to take the bus.
cheap flights
low low prices, rents, and fees do not cost a lot of money. Do not use cheap with these words:
Why is the share price so low?
You could get equally good accommodation elsewhere at a lower rent.
inexpensive especially written not expensive – use this especially about things that are of good quality, even though they do not cost a lot:
The furniture is inexpensive, but well made.
a simple inexpensive meal
a hotel that offers air-conditioned rooms at relatively inexpensive prices
reasonable a reasonable price seems fair because it is not too high:
The restaurant serves good food at reasonable prices.
Only £25 a night? That sounds reasonable.
economical cheap because you do not need to use a lot of money or fuel:
an economical car
It is usually more economical to buy in large quantities.
affordable cheap enough for most people to be able to buy or pay for:
affordable housing
Single mothers often have trouble finding affordable childcare.
The shop sells designer fashions at affordable prices.
competitive competitive prices and rates are as low as those charged by other shops or companies:
I think you’ll find our prices are extremely competitive.
The hotel offers a high standard of service at very competitive rates.
budget [only before noun] budget flights, airlines, hotels etc have specially low prices:
You can get a budget flight to Amsterdam for only £19.
a list of budget hotels for under $50 a night
budget accommodation for families with young children
be good/great value to be worth at least the price you pay for it, so that you feel pleased and think you have spent your money well:
The meals at Charlie’s Pizza are really good value.
The holiday is great value for money.
be a bargain informal to be extremely cheap:
I got this shirt when I was in Indonesia. It was a real bargain.
competitive price/rate

[TahlilGaran] English Thesaurus ▲