Economical

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /ˌɛkəˈnÉ’mɪkÉ™l/
• US IPA: /ˌɛkəˈnÉ‘mɪkÉ™l/

Alternative forms

• economicall obsolete
• Å“conomical archaic
• Å“conomicall obsolete

Origin

economic + -al

Full definition of economical

Adjective

1. Careful with money so as not to spend too much; prudent; thrifty.
2. Relating to economy in any other sense.

Usage notes

Modern usage prefers economic when describing the economy of a region or country (and when referring to personal or family budgeting).

Economical is preferred when referring to thrift or value for money.

Derived terms

• economically
• economical with the truth