Something that is economical does not require a lot of money to operate. For example a car that only uses a small amount of petrol is economical.
...plans to trade in their car for something smaller and more economical.
It is more economical to wash a full load.
Synonyms: economic [informal], fair, cheap, reasonable More Synonyms of economical
economicallyadverb [ADVERB after verb]
Services could be operated more efficiently and economically.
2. adjective
Someone who is economical spends money sensibly and does not want to waste it on things that are unnecessary. A way of life that is economical does not need a lot of money.
...ideas for economical housekeeping.
Synonyms: thrifty, sparing, careful, prudent More Synonyms of economical
3. adjective [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE]
Economical means using the minimum amount of time, effort, or language that is necessary.
His gestures were economical, his words generally mild.
economicallygraded adverb [ADVERB -ed]
Burn's novel, vividly and economically written, is a sombre reflection on fame andits cost.
More Synonyms of economical
economical in British English
(ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪkəl, ˌɛkə-)
adjective
1.
using the minimum required; not wasteful of time, effort, resources, etc
an economical car
an economical style
2.
frugal; thrifty
she was economical by nature
3. a variant of economic (sense 1), economic (sense 2), economic (sense 3), economic (sense 4)
4. euphemistic
deliberately withholding information (esp in the phrase economical with the truth)
economical in American English
(ˌikəˈnɑmɪkəl; ˌɛkəˈnɑmɪkəl)
adjective
1.
not wasting money, time, fuel, etc.; thrifty
an economical person, an economical stove
2.
expressed or done with economy, as by using few words
an economical style
3.
of economics; economic
SIMILAR WORDS: ˈthrifty
Derived forms
economically (ˌecoˈnomically)
adverb
More idioms containing
economical
be economical with the truth
Examples of 'economical' in a sentence
economical
It could be an exceptionally efficient and economical way to make buildings more comfortable and energy efficient.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
They both offer economical diesel engines to make an impressive package.
The Sun (2010)
The simplicity of the production also showcases her economical lyric style.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
It will also share the same economical diesel and petrol engines.
The Sun (2012)
What is certain is that the world needs cheaper and more economical cars.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
That may not be the most economical way to get yourself a computer.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Her economical style includes not bringing her arms up high across her chest.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
There is the usual proviso that the car be reasonably economical too.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Others will see it as an economical way to bacon over a hangover.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Hybrid cars are very economical in congested areas because energy is used more than once.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
It provides an economical way of conveying nuance.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
It is one of the greenest and most economical small cars in the country and will beon display at the show.
The Sun (2008)
Up to a point, big plants are usually more economical than small ones.
Dyson, Freeman Infinite in All Directions (1989)
Contrary to popular belief, super unleaded petrol is unlikely to make your engine more economical.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Many motorists are aiming to downsize to smaller, more economical vehicles.
The Sun (2011)
Can you recommend a smaller, economical runaround that is easy to get in and out of?
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
They're also the most economical way to cover a patch of otherwise unused soil.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Would extending vehicle life be more energy-efficient than building more economical cars?
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Historically, heat pumps were an economical way to heat swimming pools.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
They are also correct that the existing Victorian railway infrastructure cannot be further enhanced at an economical cost.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
QI want to buy an economical small diesel automatic.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Although her economical style can sacrifice immediacy and intimacy, this is a fiercely indignant and justly cynical work.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
I am now looking for something smaller and more economical but quiet and comfortable enough for motorway driving.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
All the engines are economical.
The Sun (2008)
A more economical range of engines increase mpg by 20 per cent.
The Sun (2011)
But it will share the 500's economical engines.
The Sun (2012)
In other languages
economical
British English: economical /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪkl; ˌɛkə-/ ADJECTIVE
Something that is economical does not require a lot of money to operate.
...economical cars.
American English: economical
Arabic: مُقْتَصِد
Brazilian Portuguese: econômico
Chinese: 经济的
Croatian: ekonomičan
Czech: hospodárný
Danish: økonomisk
Dutch: zuinig
European Spanish: económico ahorrador
Finnish: taloudellinen
French: économique
German: sparsam
Greek: ανέξοδος
Italian: economico
Japanese: 経済的な
Korean: 경제적인
Norwegian: sparsommelig
Polish: oszczędny
European Portuguese: económico
Romanian: economic
Russian: экономичный
Latin American Spanish: económico
Swedish: sparsam
Thai: ประหยัด
Turkish: ekonomik
Ukrainian: економний
Vietnamese: tiết kiệm
Chinese translation of 'economical'
economical
(iːkəˈnɔmɪkl)
adj
[system, car, machine]节(節)约(約)的 (jiéyuē de)
[person]节(節)省的 (jiéshěng de)
1 (adjective)
Definition
not requiring a lot of money to use
It is more economical to wash a full load.
Synonyms
economic (informal)
The new process is more economic but less environmentally friendly.
fair
cheap
Smoke detectors are cheap and easy to put up.
People want good service at a cheap price.
reasonable
His fees were quite reasonable.
modest
low-priced
inexpensive
a huge variety of good inexpensive restaurants
Opposites
expensive
,
unprofitable
,
exorbitant
2 (adjective)
Definition
(of a person) spending money carefully and sensibly
As taxpayers we should be able to assume that the government is economical with our money.
Synonyms
thrifty
My mother taught me to be thrifty.
sparing
I've not been sparing with the garlic.
careful
Train your children to be careful with their pocket-money.
prudent
In private, she is prudent and even frugal.
provident
frugal
She lives a frugal life.
parsimonious
the stereotype of the dour and parsimonious Scotsman
scrimping
economizing
Opposites
generous
,
lavish
,
extravagant
,
wasteful
,
profligate
,
spendthrift
,
imprudent
,
uneconomical
,
unthrifty
3 (adjective)
Definition
using no more time, effort, or resources than is necessary
the practical, economical virtues of a small hatchback
Synonyms
efficient
a relatively cheap and efficient form of communication
sparing
cost-effective
money-saving
time-saving
work-saving
unwasteful
Opposites
extravagant
,
wasteful
Additional synonyms
in the sense of careful
Train your children to be careful with their pocket-money.
Synonyms
prudent,
sparing,
economical,
canny,
provident,
frugal,
thrifty
in the sense of cheap
Definition
costing relatively little
Smoke detectors are cheap and easy to put up.People want good service at a cheap price.