parsimony

[ pahr-suh-moh-nee ]

noun

1. extreme or excessive economy or frugality; stinginess; miserliness.

parsimony

/ ˌpɑːsɪˈməʊnɪəs; ˈpɑːsɪmənɪ /

noun

1. extreme care or reluctance in spending; frugality; niggardliness

Derived Forms

• parsimonious, adjective
• ˌparsiˈmoniously, adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of parsimony¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English parcimony, from Latin parsimōnia, parcimōnia “frugality, thrift,” equivalent to parsi- (combining form of parsus, past participle of parcere “to economize”) or parci- (combining form of parcus “sparing”) + -mōnia -mony

Word History and Origins

Origin of parsimony¹

C15: from Latin parcimōnia, from parcere to spare

Example Sentences

Or perhaps Goya is taking a small liberty, presenting parsimony in a sly juxtaposition to all that flashy gold embroidery, royal hardware and silk.

From Los Angeles Times

But if there is one way to offset parsimony, it’s with development.

From Seattle Times

China's battered property market, lingering worries over job stability, and government parsimony in wages, pensions and medical benefits are keeping shoppers cautious.

From Reuters

Some members of Congress from both parties seem inclined to pick “now” and “Ukraine” as the time and place to practice parsimony.

From Washington Post

But now there’s a principle behind my parsimony: I refuse to line the pockets of the world’s wealthiest man as he destroys civilization.

From Washington Post