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thrifty

Using money and other resources carefully and not wastefully.
Adjective
comp: thriftiersup: thriftiest

This word carries a strong positive connotation of wisdom and discipline. It describes a person who makes strategic choices to avoid waste, viewing frugality as a tool for future security rather than a sign of poverty.

It differs from being stingy or miserly, which implies a selfish or obsessive refusal to spend money even when necessary. While a stingy person avoids spending to hoard wealth, a thrifty person avoids waste to maximize the value of their resources.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Chloe is shopping for textbooks while David is at his office.
Chloe Smith

can't believe these books cost a fortune. i'm literally broke.

can't believe these books cost a fortune. i'm literally broke.

Chloe Smith
David Smith
David Smith

just be thrifty and buy used. it's all about leveraging your assets, kiddo.

just be thrifty and buy used. it's all about leveraging your assets, kiddo.

Meanings

Adjective

Using money and other resources carefully and not wastefully.

By being thrifty with her monthly budget, she managed to save enough for a house deposit.

Examples

She is very thrifty and always clips coupons before going to the store.

I need to be more thrifty if I want to save up for a new laptop.

School Life

Being thrifty during the trip allowed them to visit three different cities.

Travel

You should be thrifty with your supplies so we do not run out mid project.

Office

He grew up in a thrifty household where nothing was ever thrown away.

Maybe if I am thrifty with my spending this month I can afford that dress.

The company adopted thrifty measures to avoid layoffs during the recession.

Business

She managed the estate with a thrifty hand ensuring the family legacy survived.

History

Just be thrifty and pack your own lunch instead of buying it every day.

Related Words

frugaleconomicalsparingprudentprovidentextravagantwastefulprodigalspendthriftthriftbudgetsavingeconomyparsimony
Last Updated: May 2026Report an Error