Word
thrifty
US/ˈθɹɪfti/
UK/θɹˈɪfti/
Definition
adj. good at saving money and not wasting things. You use this to describe someone who is careful with their spending.
adj. economical in the use of resources; characterized by careful management of money and possessions to avoid waste.
Examples
“She is very thrifty and always buys second-hand clothes.”
“The family lived a thrifty life, growing their own vegetables and repairing old furniture instead of buying new ones.”
“In an era of economic uncertainty, the thrifty habits of previous generations have become increasingly relevant as consumers seek to minimize unnecessary expenditure.”
Examples
simple
“She is very thrifty and always buys second-hand clothes.”
contextual
“The family lived a thrifty life, growing their own vegetables and repairing old furniture instead of buying new ones.”
complex
“In an era of economic uncertainty, the thrifty habits of previous generations have become increasingly relevant as consumers seek to minimize unnecessary expenditure.”
Etymology
From Middle English thrifty, threfty, thryfty, þrifti, equivalent to thrift + -y.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/thrifty