Synonyms: economic, economical
Definition: using the minimum of time or resources necessary for effectiveness
Usage: an economic use of home heating oil; a modern economical heating system; an economical use of her time
Similar words: efficient
Definition: being effective without wasting time or effort or expense
Usage: an efficient production manager; efficient engines save gas
Synonyms: stinting, frugal, economical, sparing, scotch
Definition: avoiding waste
Usage: an economical meal; an economical shopper; a frugal farmer; a frugal lunch; a sparing father and a spending son; sparing in their use of heat and light; stinting in bestowing gifts; thrifty because they remember the great Depression; `scotch' is used only informally
Similar words: thrifty
Definition: careful and diligent in the use of resources