frugality

American  

[froo-gal-i-tee] / fruˈgæl ɪ ti /

Also frugalness

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.

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Other Word Forms

• nonfrugality noun
• overfrugality noun
• unfrugality noun

Etymology

Origin of frugality

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

Throughout the year, several high-profile OpenAI commitments have sputtered, thanks to the company’s newfound frugality as well as an increasing sense of dissatisfaction from its business pals.

From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026

Bamberger was famously frugal—and proud of his frugality.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026

Ultimately, the massive speculative capital spending is delivering the exact opposite of what a bond investor requires: safety, certainty and frugality.

From Barron's • Jan. 15, 2026

It’s not just frugality; it’s a tiny, self-imposed puzzle.

From Salon • Jan. 11, 2026

The social insects, especially ants, have been sources of all kinds of parables, giving lessons in industry, interdependence, altruism, humility, frugality, patience.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas

Related Words

• moderation
• prudence
• thrift