Scrimped Meaning in English
word · lemma: scrimp
Definition
To spend as little money as possible, often by cutting back on basic needs or small comforts, usually in order to save money or buy something important.
Usage & Nuances
Often used in negative contexts to imply hardship or self-denial. Common collocations: 'scrimped and saved' (repeatedly together), 'scrimped to afford.' This verb is formal or literary and less common in everyday speech than 'saved up.' 'Scrimped on' means spending too little on something needed.
Example Sentences
They scrimped for years to buy their first house.
basic
My parents scrimped so I could go to college.
basic
We scrimped on eating out to save money.
basic
She scrimped and saved every penny for her dream vacation.
natural
We really scrimped last year when I lost my job.
natural
I wish we hadn’t scrimped on quality—it ended up costing us more.
natural