Definitions

penny-wise

ADJECTIVE

economical

Synonyms

STRONGEST

cost-effective efficient practical prudent

WEAK

avaricious canny chary circumspect close closefisted curmudgeonly frugal meager mean methodical miserly money-saving on the rims parsimonious penny-pinching penurious provident prudential saving scrimping skimping spare sparing stingy thrifty tight time-saving unwasteful watchful work-saving

Antonyms

STRONGEST

inefficient

WEAK

careless uncareful uneconomical unreasonable wasteful

ADJECTIVE

frugal

Synonyms

STRONGEST

canny careful meticulous prudent stingy thrifty

WEAK

abstemious chary conserving discreet meager mingy parsimonious penny-pinching preserving provident saving scrimping sparing spartan tight tightwad unwasteful wary

Antonyms

STRONGEST

careless incautious spendthrift wasteful

WEAK

generous lavish spendthrifty uneconomical

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Schools think about these institutional debts in a way that is very penny-wise and pound-foolish, and it’s preventing people from participating in the economy,” said Mike Pierce, executive director of Protect Borrowers.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 23, 2025

However, penny-wise, profit-driven developers want homes closer together on narrow streets that allow for more buildings.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 20, 2023

Ms Devlin added the move is a "penny-wise and pound-foolish approach to workforce".

From BBC • May 15, 2023

This is a case of being penny-wise and pound-foolish.

From Washington Post • May 25, 2022

And every conflagration also uncovers the fact that there are many penny-wise citizens who purchase this class of indemnity.

From White Ashes by Kennedy, Sidney R. (Sidney Robinson)

penny-wise

Example Sentences

Related Words