What does thriftily mean?
Thriftily means in an economical, careful, and non-wasteful manner. It is the adverb form of thrifty and is commonly used with verbs such as spend, use, plan, manage, and allocate. The word can describe deliberate economy in handling money, materials, time, or other resources: a traveler might travel thriftily, while a local government might manage its budget thriftily. Its usual connotation is approving, emphasizing prudence and practical restraint, although context can make it sound mildly critical when it implies excessive penny-watching. Thriftily is used in both British and American English and is somewhat more formal than everyday alternatives such as cheaply or carefully. Because it applies to the manner of an action rather than to a person or thing directly, it is especially useful in precise, formal, and descriptive writing.
adverbIn a thrifty or economical manner, using money and resources carefully and avoiding waste.
- In a thrifty, economical, or non-wasteful manner.
"She thriftily planned the trip, choosing an off-season hotel and inexpensive rail fares."
"The organization thriftily allocated its budget among several community programs."
"He thriftily repelled the old wooden floor rather than replacing it."
Thriftily turns a simple value—economy—into a vivid description of how someone handles money or resources.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
How thriftily is actually used
Thriftily is formal to mildly literary in style. It often carries a positive connotation of careful management and practical wisdom, though it can also suggest extreme frugality or minimal spending.
Easily confused with thriftily
Thrifty is an adjective describing someone or something that is economical, whereas thriftily is the adverb describing how an action is done.