What does scrimped mean?
Scrimped is the past tense and past participle of scrimp, a verb meaning to economize, especially by limiting expenditure or using fewer resources. A person who scrimps may carefully save money or, more critically, cut back on necessities such as food, clothing, or maintenance. The expression “scrimp and save” describes a particularly established pattern of thrift: someone both limits spending and deliberately sets aside what can be saved. Scrimped can describe sensible budgeting, such as scrimping on nonessential purchases to fund a larger expense, but it can also imply an uncomfortable or miserly attitude toward money. The word is formal in register and is used in both British and American English.
verbTo economize by using or providing less than is desired, especially by spending as little money as possible. The past tense and past participle of “scrimp.”
- To economize by spending less or using fewer resources, especially in a habitual or excessively thrifty way.
"With a limited budget, they scrimped on ingredients without sacrificing the final dish."
"For months, they scrimped on household expenses while saving for the trip."
"The museum scrimped on its refurbishment but preserved the building's finest features."
To scrimp is to make every penny stretch—sometimes with admirable planning, sometimes at the cost of comfort.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does scrimped come from?
The verb “scrimp” entered English in the early 18th century. Its precise origin is uncertain, although it may be related to an older Scots word meaning to take advantage of a situation, reflecting the idea of obtaining something with economy.
Related word forms
How scrimped is actually used
The word often implies a degree of penny-watchfulness that may be prudent or unnecessarily severe. It is commonly followed by “on” when naming the resource being reduced.