scrimp
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /skrɪmp/
KK: /skrɪmp/
intransitive verb
Definition
To save money or resources by spending as little as possible.
Example
During the tough times, they had to scrimp on groceries to make ends meet.
Tense Forms
Past: scrimped
Past Participle: scrimped
Conversation
I heard you’ve been trying to scrimp on your expenses lately.
Yeah, I’m saving up for a trip next year.
That sounds exciting! How have you been managing to scrimp?
I’ve cut back on eating out and started cooking at home more.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
save
thrift
cutback
Antonyms
spend
waste
squander
transitive verb
Definition
To use less of something than is needed, often to save money or resources.
Example
They had to scrimp on groceries to save for their vacation.
Tense Forms
Past: scrimped
Past Participle: scrimped
Conversation
Have you heard about how they had to scrimp on supplies for the project?
Yeah, I saw that! It's pretty surprising they didn't plan better.
Right? I can't believe they would scrimp on something so important.
Root Explanation
Scrimp originates from the dialectal English 'scrimp', meaning to economize or be stingy. It is related to the word 'shrimp', which refers to something small or insignificant. The word conveys the idea of being careful with resources, often to the point of being miserly.
Memory Tip
Think of being 'stingy' or 'careful' with your resources, as 'scrimp' means to economize or save.
Visually Confused Words
crimp
shrimp
scrump
crimpy
simp