economical

Using little money, fuel, or other materials to do something.

• This car is economical to run.
• We need a more economical way to heat the house.
• The new process is economical with raw materials.

How to use it: economical with something (The process is economical with water.); economical to do something (This heater is economical to run.)

Similar words: efficient, cost-effective

Opposites: wasteful, uneconomical

Common phrases: economical car, economical method, economical to run, economical option

Careful about spending money and avoiding waste.

• My grandmother was an economical person.
• He is economical with money but generous with his time.
• Their economical habits helped them save for a house.

How to use it: economical with something (She has always been economical with her money.)

Similar words: thrifty, frugal

Opposites: extravagant, wasteful

Common phrases: economical person, economical habits, economical with money

Related to a country’s money, trade, and business activity.

• The book discussed economical affairs.
• The writer described the country’s economical conditions.
• Their report examined economical changes during that century.

Similar words: economic

Common phrases: economical conditions, economical affairs, economical policy