What does economical mean?
Economical is an adjective describing the careful, efficient use of resources — money, time, energy, materials, or even words — so that nothing is wasted beyond what is necessary. An economical car consumes little fuel; an economical solution achieves its goal with minimal cost or effort; an economical speaker makes every word count. The word carries a positive, pragmatic connotation: it suggests wisdom and prudence rather than stinginess, distinguishing it from terms like 'cheap' or 'miserly'. It should not be confused with 'economic', which pertains to economics or wealth more broadly — economic policy concerns nations and markets, whereas an economical choice concerns value and thrift. One memorable idiomatic use, 'economical with the truth', euphemistically describes someone who deliberately omits key facts to mislead, a phrase that gained fame through a late-1980s British political controversy.
Careful not to waste money, time, effort, or other resources; using only as much as is necessary.
"A pressure cooker is an economical way to cook tough cuts of meat."
Often applied to products, methods, or styles that minimize cost or effort.
(of language, movement, or expression) Concise, spare, and effective, with no superfluity.
"The novel's prose is economical, yet every scene feels vivid."
Common in literary and critical writing.
Deliberately sparing with information so as to mislead, chiefly in the phrase 'economical with the truth'.
"Witnesses were accused of being economical with the truth."
Almost exclusively used within this fixed idiom.
The idiom 'economical with the truth' became famous during a British political scandal — it's a polite way of accusing someone of lying without saying the word.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of economical
Economical derives from the Greek oikonomikos, meaning 'skilled in household management', formed from oikos ('house') and nomos ('managing' or 'law'). The term passed through Latin oeconomicus and French économique before entering English, where adjective forms were established by the early 17th century. Its original sense concerned prudent management of a household or estate, and it later broadened to cover any efficient use of resources. Cognate forms include economy and economic, all sharing the same Greek root.
How economical is actually used
Neutral to positive connotation: calling someone or something 'economical' implies sensible restraint rather than stinginess, unlike 'cheap' or 'miserly'. In formal contexts it often describes efficiency of design or language ('an economical argument'). It is never used as a noun.
Easily confused with economical
'Economic' relates to economics, trade, or wealth in general (e.g. 'economic growth'), while 'economical' means saving money or avoiding waste (e.g. 'an economical car').