# skimp

/ˈskɪmp/ (US) · /skˈɪmp/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/skimp
Updated: 2026-10-20

## Definition

to use too little of something, like money or time, when you should use more to do a good job.

For teachers: to provide or use an insufficient amount of something, often to save money or effort; to scrimp.

## Examples

- Don't skimp on the paint if you want the wall to look good.
- The hotel started to skimp on cleaning supplies to cut costs, which led to many guest complaints.
- While it is tempting to skimp on high-quality ingredients during a recession, professional chefs argue that such compromises inevitably degrade the final product and alienate loyal customers.

## Synonyms

stint, scrimp

## Antonyms

splurge, lavish, squander, waste

## Pitfalls

- Not "skimp the details" but "skimp on the details" — When referring to the area where effort is lacking, the verb usually requires the preposition 'on'.

## Usage notes

- Intransitive when followed by 'on'; transitive when the object is the resource being saved.

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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.