ENGLISH
REFERENCE

thrift

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced US //ˈθɹɪft// UK //θɹˈɪft// thrift Archaic

n. the habit of being careful with money and not wasting it. You use this when you want to save for the future by spending wisely.

n. the quality of using money and other resources carefully and not wastefully. Often associated with financial prudence and the avoidance of extravagance.


SIMPLE

Her parents taught her the value of thrift from a young age.

CONTEXTUAL

Through hard work and extreme thrift, the couple managed to pay off their mortgage in just five years.

COMPLEX

The traditional virtues of industry and thrift have been somewhat overshadowed by a modern economic model that relies heavily on consumer credit and immediate gratification.

Synonyms
Usage

Typically used in a positive sense to describe wise financial management; often paired with 'industry' or 'frugality'.

© 2026 English Reference