parsimony

American  

[pahr-suh-moh-nee] / ˈpɑr səˌmoʊ ni /

noun

1. extreme or excessive economy or frugality; stinginess; miserliness.

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parsimony British  

/ ˌpɑːsɪˈməʊnɪəs, ˈpɑːsɪmənɪ /

noun

1. extreme care or reluctance in spending; frugality; niggardliness

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Other Word Forms

• parsimonious adjective
• parsimoniously adverb

Etymology

Origin of parsimony

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English parcimony, from Latin parsimōnia, parcimōnia “frugality, thrift,” equivalent to parsi- (combining form of parsus, past participle of parcere “to economize”) or parci- (combining form of parcus “sparing”) + -mōnia -mony

Example Sentences

England's defensive parsimony is allied with attacking potency - they have scored in 19 matches in a row for the first time in more than a century.

From BBC

Or perhaps Goya is taking a small liberty, presenting parsimony in a sly juxtaposition to all that flashy gold embroidery, royal hardware and silk.

From Los Angeles Times

But if there is one way to offset parsimony, it’s with development.

From Seattle Times

Whether Lula would lead from that ecumenical high ground, let alone deliver growth with parsimony, is another matter — and a doubt Lula himself coyly encourages.

From Washington Post

Piggott's parsimony, which ultimately led to a prison sentence for tax evasion, was the stuff of legend.

From BBC