What does skimped mean?
To skimped is to have used or provided too little of something, usually money, time, materials, or effort. The word commonly describes a shortage that was deliberate or caused by excessive economy: a household skimped on food, a builder skimped on materials, or an employer skimped on staff training. It is more than simply being economical, since it usually suggests that an inadequate or stingy amount was supplied. The expression “skimped on” is particularly frequent, with the thing being reduced appearing after the preposition. Skimped is the past tense and past participle of skimp, and it is widely understood in formal and informal English in both British and American usage. The word is useful when describing a failure to meet a reasonable standard of provision, whether through deliberate thrift, neglect, or limited resources.
verbTo use or provide too little of something, especially money, time, effort, or resources. In its past-tense and past-participle form, it often indicates that an adequate amount was denied or neglected.
- To use or provide too little of something, especially money, time, effort, or resources.
"The company skimped on materials but refused to reduce the staff's salaries."
"They skimped on the ingredients, and the finished meal was disappointingly plain."
"If the budget is limited, you may need to skimped on unnecessary travel rather than essential supplies."
To skim is to move lightly across the surface; to skimp is to fall short on what is needed.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does skimped come from?
The form is an inflection of the verb skimp. The deeper origin of skimp is not securely documented, although the word has long been associated with using or providing an insufficient amount. Its sense is related to that of other older English words meaning to be sparing or stingy.
Related word forms
How skimped is actually used
This form is commonly used when someone provides an inadequate amount of money, materials, attention, or effort. It can carry a mildly critical tone, especially when the reduction causes harm or affects quality.
Easily confused with skimped
To skim means to read quickly or remove a thin layer from the surface of something, whereas to skimp is to provide or use too little of something.