What does skimping mean?
To skimping is to use, provide, or spend too little of something, usually because saving money takes priority over quantity, quality, or adequate provision. The verb most often appears as “skimping on” a resource: one may skimping on ingredients, portions, staffing, maintenance, or quality. This construction makes clear that the inadequate amount is deliberate or excessive rather than simply the result of limited circumstances. “Skimping” is mildly critical because it suggests cutting corners or depriving something of what it needs. In a workplace, it may refer to underspending on a budget; in food preparation, it can mean using less than a recipe or accepted standard calls for. The closely related verb “skimp” is also common, while “skim” usually has different meanings involving quick reading or removing a surface layer.
verbTo use or provide too little of something, especially as a way of reducing cost. It is commonly used in the construction “skimping on” something.
- To use, provide, or consume an insufficient amount of something, typically in order to save money.
- To reduce expenditure or effort below what is considered adequate.
"The company was accused of skimping on ingredients in order to increase its profits."
"They were skimping on portions while charging the same price as before."
"A responsible business should not skimping on safety or quality."
To skim is to take only the surface; to skimping is to leave too little behind.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does skimping come from?
The word developed in the early 19th century from the earlier verb “skimp,” with a change in its final consonant, and is generally considered related to “skim.” The deeper origin of “skim” is uncertain, so an exact connection with older languages cannot be stated confidently. The family also includes forms such as “skimpy,” describing something meager or stingy, and “skimpily,” describing an action done in a mean or inadequate manner.
Related word forms
How skimping is actually used
The expression “skimping on” something is the usual pattern. In British English, “skimp” and “skimping” are particularly common, but both are also understood in American English.
Easily confused with skimping
“Skimp” means to use or take an insufficient amount, while “skimping” commonly describes continuing to economize in this way, especially by providing less of a resource or reducing quality.
“Skim” can mean to read quickly or remove a thin layer from a liquid, whereas “skimping” means to provide or use too little of something.