thrifty

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "thrifty" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who is careful and prudent in their spending and use of resources, such as money, time, food, or materials. Example: In spite of her successful career, Jane was always a thrifty spender, careful to make sure every penny was well spent.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In May, her blog won the judges' choice prize at the glitzy Fortnum and Mason food awards (they praised Monroe's recipes as "so nutritious and thrifty that they are being handed out by food banks as examples of how to manage on next to nothing").

The Guardian

"I was brought up in a very thrifty household, which is why 10 10 has been reasonably easy for us.

The Guardian

Survey after survey also revealed that political beliefs had, if anything, shifted rightward; cool on immigration, cynical about benefits and, like the thrifty Scots Margaret Thatcher always believed them to be, keen to withhold as much of their income from the state as possible.

The Guardian

Debt-addicted Americans and Spaniards would chip away at their obligations; thrifty German and Chinese consumers would start to enjoy life for once.

The Economist

The thrifty burghers even voted down plans to bid for the winter Olympics.So is Keynesian stimulus banned?

The Economist

And those automatically enrolled in the pension studied by Ms Madrian and Mr Shea tend to stick with the low, default contribution rate of about 3%.Nannyish governments, not all of them very thrifty themselves, are exhorting the public to do better.

The Economist

Norway's thrifty governments have stashed away $840 billion from their share of the North Sea's treasure.

The Economist

Yet, however unfair it may seem to the thrifty, rate cuts are needed to boost the overall economy.Another way in which monetary policy retains some of its clout is through the exchange rate.

The Economist

For him, the key to his bank's success (a recent survey rated it the most efficient and most profitable bank in Italy) is devising products to meet the particular needs of the bank's local clientele.Piedmont and Lombardy, the prosperous regions where Banca Regionale Europea is based, have the highest rate of household saving in Italy, itself a thrifty country.

The Economist

Energy efficiency has been nobody's priority: it takes time and money that architects, builders, landlords and tenants would rather spend on other things.In countries with no tradition of thrifty energy use, the skills needed are in short supply, too.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Just wait until the ultra-thrifty Estonians are in the club too.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person, use "thrifty" to highlight their financial responsibility and good management of resources. For example, "She is a thrifty shopper who always finds the best deals."

Common error

Avoid using "thrifty" when you mean someone is "cheap" or unwilling to spend money even when necessary. "Thrifty" implies good management of resources, while "cheap" suggests stinginess.

Linguistic Context

The word "thrifty" functions primarily as an adjective. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it modifies nouns to describe a person, group, or thing characterized by careful and economical use of resources. It suggests a positive attribute, emphasizing good stewardship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

9%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "thrifty" is a common adjective used to describe someone or something that is economical and avoids waste. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. This guide provides insights into its usage, related phrases, common errors to avoid, and answers frequently asked questions. Predominantly found in "News & Media" and "Formal & Business" contexts, it's a generally positive term indicating responsible resource management. While similar to words like "frugal" and "economical", "thrifty" emphasizes careful and thoughtful use of resources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frugal

Stresses avoiding waste and not spending unnecessarily.

economical

Focuses on efficient use of resources to minimize cost.

prudent

Highlights wise and careful financial management.

sparing

Suggests using only a small amount of something.

parsimonious

Implies extreme unwillingness to spend money.

careful with money

Emphasizes thoughtfulness and attention in spending habits.

budget-conscious

Focuses on awareness and adherence to a budget.

value-oriented

Prioritizes getting the most for one's money.

resourceful

Highlights the ability to find clever ways to save money.

cost-effective

Focuses on achieving maximum output with minimum expenditure.

FAQs

How can I use "thrifty" in a sentence?

You can use "thrifty" to describe someone who manages their money and resources wisely. For example, "My grandmother was a "thrifty" woman who saved every penny."

What is a good alternative to "thrifty"?

Alternatives to "thrifty" include "frugal", "economical", and "prudent". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "thrifty" and "cheap"?

"Thrifty" implies managing resources wisely and avoiding waste, while "cheap" often suggests stinginess or unwillingness to spend even when necessary. Someone "thrifty" is resourceful; someone cheap is unwilling to spend.

Is "thrifty" a positive or negative trait?

"Thrifty" is generally considered a positive trait, as it implies responsibility and good financial management. However, it can sometimes be perceived negatively if taken to an extreme.