adj ·Moderate ·High school level

Definitions

Adjective

1. 1
   Of something which is consumed (such as money, goods, etc.): Careful or wise in expenditure; avoiding waste.

   "frugal advice"

2. 2
   Of something which is supplied or used (especially food): Obtained by or characterized by frugality.

   "frugal fortune; frugal fare"

Adjective

1. 1
   avoiding waste wordnet

Synonyms

All synonyms

cheapeconomicalstintingthriftyabstemiousabstemious

Antonyms

All antonyms

extravagantlavishprodigalsimple

Example

More examples

"It is all very well to be frugal; but he goes too far."

Etymology

From Middle French, from Latin frugalis (“virtuous, thrifty”). Displaced native Old English spærhende (literally “spare-handed”).

Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.