frugality

[ froo-gal-i-tee ]

noun

1. the quality of being frugal, or prudent in saving; the lack of wastefulness:

   Many people who have lived through periods of economic deprivation develop lifelong habits of frugality and are almost never tempted by wasteful consumption.

Other Words From

• nonfru·gali·ty noun
• over·fru·gali·ty noun
• unfru·gali·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of frugality¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from French frugalité, from Latin frūgālitāt-, stem of frūgālitās, equivalent to frūgāli(s) “economic” + -tās -ty ²( def ); frugal ( def )

Example Sentences

Retired civil servant Sisir Kumar Das, who looked after Isro’s finances for more than two decades, says the frugality can be traced back to the 1960s, when scientists first pitched a space programme to the government.

From BBC

Without faith in their economic futures, consumers are unlikely to let go of the frugality they have adopted in recent years.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s no surprise that behind the gruff exterior of Red Foreman or the margarita-drinking Kitty is a couple who value frugality.

From Salon

Mr. Trump was not shy about the frugality.

From New York Times

Prosecutors offered a series of exhibits on Tuesday demonstrating that signing every big check was standard practice for Trump, specifically excerpts from his books in which he bragged about his micromanagement and frugality.

From Slate

Related Words

• moderation
• prudence
• thrift