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Showing results for penny-wise. Search instead for pfennigweisem.
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.

In fiscal terms, the budget cuts are penny-wise and galactically foolish.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 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

Where public education has been so neglected as to render possible such a niggardly, penny-wise and pound-foolish policy, there is manifestly signal need of every means of enlightenment.

From A Book for All Readers An Aid to the Collection, Use, and Preservation of Books and the Formation of Public and Private Libraries by Spofford, Ainsworth Rand