skimp

/skɪmp/

Other forms: skimping; skimped; skimps

The verb skimp refers to using a limited amount of something. When tomato prices are high, a cost-conscious restaurant might skimp on the amount of chopped tomatoes it puts on salads.

Skimp can also describe getting by spending very little money, like someone who skimps in order to save for the future. You can also skimp on time and effort, like when you skimp on the amount of care you put into your math homework. Skimp is likely a variation of scrimp, which means "to make too small" and comes from the Swedish word skrumpna, meaning "to shrink, shrivel up."

Definitions of skimp

1. verb

   work hastily or carelessly; deal with inadequately and superficially
   synonyms: scant

   type of:

   work

   exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
2. verb

   supply sparingly and with restricted quantities
   synonyms: scant, stint

   type of:

   furnish, provide, render, supply

   give something useful or necessary to
3. verb

   limit in quality or quantity
   synonyms: scant

   type of:

   restrict

   place under restrictions; limit access to
4. verb

   subsist on a meager allowance
   synonyms: scrimp, stint

   type of:

   save

   spend less; buy at a reduced price