English Reference
adverb

economically

adv.
US /ˌɛkəˈnɑmɪkɫi/ UK /ˌiːkənˈɒmɪkli/ eco·nom·i·cal·ly

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    doing something in a way that saves money, time, or materials.

    in a manner that avoids waste or extravagance; efficiently using available resources.

    Simple

    The car is designed to run economically, using very little fuel on long trips.

    In context

    The architect managed the space so economically that she fit three bedrooms into a floor plan where most would only manage two.

    efficientlyfrugallythriftily
    wastefullyextravagantly
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    from the point of view of a country's money, trade, and industry.

    with respect to the principles of economics or the financial state of a region or country.

    Simple

    Economically, the city is doing much better than it was ten years ago.

    In context

    While the project is socially desirable, it remains economically unfeasible without significant government subsidies or private investment.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency FormalTechnical Religion

    according to a divine plan or the way a religion organizes the world.

    relating to the 'divine economy' or the management of the world by a deity.

    Simple

    The scholar argued that the events were ordered economically by a higher power.

    In context

    In patristic theology, the term describes how God reveals himself economically through historical acts rather than in his absolute essence.

Usage economically important

But this manure mainly consists of water, and typically it is not economically feasible to ship water.

Phys.org· 14 Aug 2026

The process is about half as efficient as existing commercial green-hydrogen techniques, and improving the rate of production is essential for making the technology economically competitive, Serrano Ruiz suggests.

Smithsonian Magazine· 6 Jul 2026

From economical + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated