skimp

American  

[skimp] / skɪmp /

verb (used without object)

1. to scrimp.

   Synonyms:

   pinch, stint

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verb (used with object)

1. to scrimp.

   Synonyms:

   pinch, stint

2. to scamp.

adjective

1. skimpy; scanty.

skimp British  

/ skɪmp /

verb

1. to be extremely sparing or supply (someone) sparingly; stint

2. to perform (work, etc) carelessly, hastily, or with inadequate materials

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Usage

What does skimp mean? Skimp most commonly means to provide too little or be stingy when supplying someone with something, as in This place always skimps on the salad dressing, so I usually order some extra on the side. The word is often used in the command don’t skimp, which is a request not to provide an amount that the speaker considers inadequate, as in Hey, don’t skimp on the ice cream—I want a big scoop!To skimp on materials when making or constructing something is to use ones that are low-quality or to use fewer than are needed to do the job properly. Skimp is a synonym of scrimp, but scrimp most commonly means to be frugal by finding ways to avoid spending money. It’s especially used in the phrase scrimp and save, as in We had to scrimp and save just to afford this trip. The adjective skimpy can mean stingy or lacking in some way. It’s especially used to describe an outfit that’s considered a bit revealing due to not covering as much as might be usual. Example: Don’t skimp on the butter when you make the cookies or they’ll turn out dry and brittle.

Other Word Forms

• skimpingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of skimp

First recorded in 1875–80; origin uncertain

Explanation

The verb skimp refers to using a limited amount of something. When tomato prices are high, a cost-conscious restaurant might skimp on the amount of chopped tomatoes it puts on salads. Skimp can also describe getting by spending very little money, like someone who skimps in order to save for the future. You can also skimp on time and effort, like when you skimp on the amount of care you put into your math homework. Skimp is likely a variation of scrimp, which means "to make too small" and comes from the Swedish word skrumpna, meaning "to shrink, shrivel up."

Example Sentences

Karia doesn’t skimp on it, but then again, neither did Shakespeare, and the film is faithful, even if nipped and tucked for running time’s sake.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Like many advisers, Mallon urges his older clients to prioritize their own needs — and live large — rather than skimp and save so that their heirs inherit more.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 13, 2026

Consumers who want to make it to the next paycheck tend to squeeze a bit more out of the bottle, or skimp a little bit on dosing, he added.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 28, 2025

Janis James, chief executive of Good Egg Safety, urged parents not to "skimp" on cash when purchasing car seats for children.

From BBC • Sep. 14, 2025

“After spending all this money, why skimp on the doorframe?”

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss

Related Words

• scrimp