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

According to Jennifer Ashley, author of an exhaustive Pyrex book called Shiny Happy Pyrex People, the company capitalized heavily on the post-war frugality of Americans, many of whom were buying their first homes in the midst of an economic boom.

From Eater

“Financial Independence Retire Early,” with its emphasis on extreme frugality, grew in popularity after the last financial crisis.

From Vox

DoorDash’s early days were driven by efficiency and frugality—mostly out of necessity.

From Fortune

Customers’ motivations aren’t necessarily based on frugality, says Trummer.

From Washington Post

That frugality began to change in 2008, when both countries experienced a dramatic surge in consumer spending, making them among the most sought-after markets in the world.

From Ozy

Frugality: Blame it on having parents bought up during World War II.

From The Daily Beast

Counsel for respondent has recalled to us the virtues of self-reliance and frugality.

From The Daily Beast

The scanty income she had saved from her mother's property rendered it necessary for her to live with the utmost frugality.

From Project Gutenberg

The money she saved by this great frugality she distributed among the poorer prisoners.

From Project Gutenberg

This college is full of Scotch students, who succeed in keeping themselves at Oxford, thanks to their frugality and industry.

From Project Gutenberg

There is not much luxury and there is a fair amount of thrift, while frugality of living is common, especially among the populace.

From Project Gutenberg

With parsimony a little is sufficient, and without it nothing is sufficient, whereas frugality makes a poor man rich.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• moderation
• prudence
• thrift