ENGLISH
REFERENCE

saving

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈseɪvɪŋ// UK //sˈeɪvɪŋ// sav·ing Archaic General-service

n. an amount of money, time, or energy that you do not waste or spend. It is the difference between what you expected to pay and what you actually paid.

n. a reduction in the amount of a resource, such as money or time, that is required or expended. Often used in the plural to refer to accumulated capital stored in a bank.


SIMPLE

Switching to LED bulbs results in a significant energy saving.

CONTEXTUAL

The new procurement process achieved a ten percent saving on office supplies compared to the previous fiscal year.

COMPLEX

While the initial investment in solar panels is substantial, the long-term saving on utility bills eventually offsets the upfront costs and provides a net financial benefit.

Synonyms
Origin

From save + -ing.

Usage

Commonly used in the singular when referring to a specific reduction ('a saving of $50') and in the plural when referring to money kept in a bank ('life savings').

Pitfall

I put my saving in the bankI put my savings in the bankWhen referring to the total amount of money stored for the future, the plural form 'savings' is required.

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