Word · adjective · often parsimonious with something · C2 · Formal · usually disapproving; technical writing also uses it positively for a simple explanation
parsimonious
Unwilling to spend, give, or use more money or resources than the absolute minimum.
škrt; preterano štedljiv; krajnje neizdašan
Memory scene
A miser measures out one grain at a time: not wisely economical, but unwilling to release even a reasonable amount.
How it sounds
par-suh-MOH-nee-us (US)
Main stress falls on MOH: par-si-MO-ni-ous.
Build the sentence
parsimonious with + money/resources/details · a parsimonious budget/approach
Use it
The landlord was so parsimonious with repairs that tenants supplied their own lightbulbs.
With names the resource or service being withheld too severely.
A parsimonious staffing plan saved money but left no one available for emergencies.
The adjective criticizes excessive restriction rather than sensible economy.
Watch out
In ordinary use, parsimonious is more negative than frugal: it implies unreasonable stinginess. In science and academic writing, a parsimonious explanation is positive because it explains much with few assumptions.
Nearby language
The closest everyday word and much more common in conversation.
Usually positive or neutral: careful and economical without necessarily withholding too much.
Strongly disapproving and especially associated with hoarding money.
Make it yours
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