1
Core quality
Careful and economical in the use of money, materials, or resources.
Example
The frugal design uses locally available materials.
frugal
/ˈfruːɡəl/ · FROO-guladjective
Careful and economical in the use of money, materials, or resources.
Use frugal to express this relationship precisely: careful and economical in the use of money, materials, or resources.
What frugal Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
She was frugal without refusing necessary expenses.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
Frugal water use extended the village's supply.
Use frugal Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The frugal design uses locally available materials.
She was frugal without refusing necessary expenses.
Frugal water use extended the village's supply.
Precision Matters
Frugal overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
frugal
vs.Means careful and economical in the use of money, materials, or resources.
prudent
Means showing careful, wise judgment about risks, consequences, and future needs.
frugal
vs.Means careful and economical in the use of money, materials, or resources.
austere
Means severe or strict in manner; lacking luxury.
frugal
vs.Means careful and economical in the use of money, materials, or resources.
opulent
Means rich, luxurious, and often elaborately decorated.
frugal
vs.Means careful and economical in the use of money, materials, or resources.
munificent
Means extremely generous, especially in giving money, resources, or gifts.
Test frugal in Context
The policy uses money and resources economically.
1
By repairing equipment instead of replacing it, the laboratory followed a ___ policy.