economical

== English == === Alternative forms === economicall, œconomicall (obsolete) œconomical (archaic) === Etymology === From economic +‎ -al. === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˌiː.kəˈnɒm.ɪ.kəl/, /ˌɛk.əˈnɒm.ɪ.kəl/ (General American, Canada) IPA(key): /ˌɛk.əˈnɑ.mɪ.kəl/, /ˌi.kəˈnɑ.mɪ.kəl/ (General Australian) IPA(key): /ˌek.əˈnɔm.ɪ.kəl/, /ˌiː.kəˈnɔm.ɪ.kəl/ === Adjective === economical (comparative more economical, superlative most economical) Careful with money so as not to spend too much; prudent; thrifty. Saving money or resources. (dated) Relating to economy in any other sense. (cricket) Having a low economy rate. Antonym: expensive ==== Usage notes ==== Modern usage prefers economic when describing the economy of a region or country (and when referring to personal or family budgeting). Economical is preferred when referring to thrift or value for money. Cf. the adjective economy. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === See also === economic