What does parsimony mean?
Parsimony is a formal noun meaning careful and sparing use of money, time, words, materials, or other resources. It often describes deliberate economy, as in the parsimony of an editor who removes unnecessary words or the parsimony of a design that uses only a few materials. The word can be approving when it suggests practical wisdom and avoidance of waste, but it can also carry a negative implication of stinginess or meanness. In everyday discussion, people may more often say frugality or thrift, which are generally less severe. Parsimony is especially useful when describing a deliberate restriction rather than simple poverty or lack: the emphasis falls on choosing not to use more than is necessary. The word appears in formal writing, economics, design, editing, and discussions of public spending, where the balance between conservation and adequate provision is important.
nounParsimony is careful and sparing use of money, time, words, or other resources. Depending on context, it can commend frugality or suggest excessive unwillingness to spend or share.
- Careful and sparing use of money, time, words, or other resources.
- An unusually strict reluctance to spend, give, or share, often implying meanness.
"The editor showed admirable parsimony, cutting the report to its essential facts."
"The designer's parsimony with colours gave the room a calm, uncluttered appearance."
"Financial parsimony helped the charity support more families during the crisis."
A rare plural; the singular is overwhelmingly usual.
"The report notes the careful parsimonies of the museum's restoration work."
Parsimony comes from Latin parcere, “to spare”—the same instinct behind leaving the last biscuit on the plate.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does parsimony come from?
Parsimony entered English in the late Middle English period from Latin parsimonia, a noun meaning thrift or frugality. Latin parsimonia developed from parcere, “to spare,” the verbal root underlying the related English adjective parsimonious. Its history therefore links the modern word to the broader idea of avoiding unnecessary expenditure, consumption, or use.
Related word forms
How parsimony is actually used
Parsimony is formal and often approving when it describes efficient use of resources. It can sound critical when it implies miserliness or an unwillingness to share.