verb
scrimp
SKRIMP/skrɪmp/
To use, spend, or provide very little in order to save resources.
We scrimp on groceries to save money for a car.
Etymology
The early verb meant to make an amount too small or insufficient, especially money; this developed into economizing. A connection with Scandinavian or continental Germanic words for shrinking or shriveling is possible, not certain.
In context
… many scrimp and economize all their lives but by so doing waste all their vitality and energy
More examples
- They scrimp and save to pay their daughter's tuition.
- Don't scrimp on materials when repairing the roof.
- She scrimped for months to cover the moving costs.
Forms
scrimp · scrimps · scrimped · scrimping
Similar words
- skimp
- Emphasizes using too little, not necessarily to save resources.
- economize
- Suggests careful resource management without necessarily using too little.