economical

/ɛkəˈnɑmɪkəl/

/ɛkəˈnɒmɪkəl/

Someone who is economical avoids wasting things, like money or food. So if someone sees you wrapping up a bite of food that could be part of tomorrow's lunch, don't let him call you "cheap." Tell him you are economical.

The adjective economical often describes someone who is frugal with money, but the word can apply to those who avoid wasting resources of any kind. An economical speaker, for example, avoids wasting words and doesn’t talk any more than is absolutely necessary. Someone who is economical with his time gets things done efficiently, just as an economical dishwasher uses the precise amount of water and electricity.

Definitions of economical

1. adjective

   using the minimum of time or resources necessary for effectiveness
   “a modern economical heating system”

   “an economical use of her time”

   synonyms: economic

   efficient

   being effective without wasting time or effort or expense
2. adjective

   avoiding waste
   “an economical meal”

   “an economical shopper”

   synonyms: frugal, scotch, sparing, stinting

   thrifty

   careful and diligent in the use of resources
3. adjective

   of or relating to an economy, the system of production and management of material wealth
   “aspects of social, political, and economical life”

   synonyms: economic