# economical

/ˌɛkəˈnɑmɪkəɫ/ (US) · /ˌiːkənˈɒmɪkəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/economical
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. saving money or resources

adjective · CEFR B2

using very little money, fuel, or time to get a result.

For teachers: providing good value or service in relation to the amount of time, money, or energy spent.

- A small car is usually more economical to run than a large SUV.
- The new manufacturing process proved far more economical, reducing energy consumption by thirty percent while maintaining the same output level.

### 2. careful with money

adjective · CEFR B2

describes a person who is careful not to spend too much money or waste things.

For teachers: characterised by thrift and the avoidance of waste; prudent in financial management.

- She was very economical and always looked for the best deals at the supermarket.
- Raised during a period of scarcity, he remained economical throughout his life, rarely purchasing anything that was not strictly necessary.

### 3. using few words

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

using only a few words to say something clearly.

For teachers: using no more words or details than are necessary; concise in expression.

- The author's economical writing style makes the story move very quickly.
- The witness was remarkably economical with his testimony, providing only the essential facts without any unnecessary elaboration or emotional display.

## Examples

- This small car is very economical on fuel.
- Buying a high-quality winter coat is more economical in the long run than replacing a cheap one every year.
- The architect proposed an economical design that utilised natural light to reduce the building's overall energy consumption without sacrificing aesthetic appeal.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.