frugality
/fruːˈɡæl.ə.ti/ IELTSAcademic
noun
Frugality is the habit of using money and resources carefully and avoiding waste. It often means living simply and spending only when needed.
- Her frugality helped the family save money.
- Frugality is useful during hard times.
- He admired her frugality and simple lifestyle.
Adinary Nuance
Frugality is close to thrift and economy, but it often suggests careful self-control. It is more positive than stinginess, which sounds selfish and unpleasant. Writers choose frugality when they want to praise careful, sensible spending.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- sự tiết kiệm
- Spanish
- austeridad
- Chinese
- 节俭
- Japanese
- 倹約
- Korean
- 검소함
Etymology
Frugality comes from Latin frugalitas, from frugalis, meaning 'economical' or 'plain'. It entered English in the Middle Ages.
Common phrases
practice frugalitya life of frugalityfrugality and restraintfrugality in spending
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is frugality a positive word?
- Usually, yes. It suggests careful use of money, not greed.
- What is the difference between frugality and stinginess?
- Frugality is careful and sensible. Stinginess is unwilling to spend, even when spending is needed.
- Can I use frugality in academic writing?
- Yes. It is common in formal, academic, and business writing.
- Is frugality the same as saving money?
- Not exactly. Saving money is an action; frugality is a habit or quality.