Scrimp vs. Skimp — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 6, 2024
Scrimp involves cutting back on expenditures to save, focusing on thriftiness; whereas skimp refers to providing insufficient resources or effort, often leading to inadequate results.
Difference Between Scrimp and Skimp
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Scrimp is typically associated with being extremely economical or frugal, especially when it comes to spending money. Whereas, skimp often implies a reluctance or failure to allocate enough resources, time, or effort to something, leading to subpar outcomes.
Scrimping may be seen as a positive trait, suggesting careful management of resources. On the other hand, skimping is usually perceived negatively since it can suggest negligence or stinginess.
People who scrimp might take pride in their ability to stretch their finances or resources. In contrast, those who skimp might be criticized for cutting corners in ways that can compromise quality or effectiveness.
For example, one might scrimp on personal luxuries to save for a significant investment. Conversely, skimping on materials in construction could lead to safety concerns.
In financial management, scrimping can be a strategic choice during tough economic times. Meanwhile, skimping in the same context might lead to inadequate budgeting that fails to cover essential costs.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To be sparing or economical in use or expenditure.
To withhold or give insufficiently.
Connotation
Generally positive, prudent.
Often negative, implying inadequacy.
Usage in Sentences
Often used in financial contexts.
Used in broader contexts including effort and time.
Impact
Aimed at efficiency and savings.
Can lead to poor quality and effectiveness.
Perception
Seen as a virtue in personal finance.
Considered a flaw, especially in professional work.
Compare with Definitions
Scrimp
To manage resources with strict limitations.
He scrimped on office supplies to remain under budget.
Skimp
To neglect essential elements.
You can't afford to skimp on safety in construction.
Scrimp
To be frugal or thrifty.
She always scrimps when it comes to heating to save on bills.
Skimp
To provide inadequately or sparingly.
They skimped on the project’s materials and ended up with inferior results.
Scrimp
To restrict oneself in terms of spending.
She scrimps on groceries so she can pay off her student loans.
Skimp
To cut corners in quality or quantity.
Skimping on ingredients can ruin a restaurant's reputation.
Scrimp
To economize or save money diligently.
They had to scrimp and save to afford their first home.
Skimp
To exert minimal effort.
If you skimp on the preparation, the final presentation won't impress.
Scrimp
To spend as little as possible.
During the depression, families learned to scrimp.
Skimp
To be stingy or miserly in giving or spending.
He's known to skimp on tips even after excellent service.
Scrimp
To be very frugal and sparing. scrimped and saved for college tuition.
Skimp
To deal with hastily, carelessly, or with poor material
Concentrated on reelection, skimping other matters.
Scrimp
A pinching miser; a niggard.
Skimp
To provide for or supply inadequately; be stingy with
Accused them of skimping defense funding.
Scrimp
(transitive) To make too small or short.
To scrimp the pattern of a coat.
Skimp
To be stingy or very thrifty.
Scrimp
(transitive) To limit or straiten; to put on short allowance.
Skimp
Scanty; skimpy.
Scrimp
(intransitive) To be frugal.
Skimp
To mock, deride, scorn, scold, make fun of.
I thought Adie was only skimpin' me.
Scrimp
Short; scanty; curtailed.
Skimp
(transitive) To slight; to do carelessly; to scamp.
Scrimp
To make too small or short; to limit or straiten; to put on short allowance; to scant; to contract; to shorten; as, to scrimp the pattern of a coat.
Skimp
To make insufficient allowance for; to scant; to scrimp.
Scrimp
Short; scanty; curtailed.
Skimp
(intransitive) To save; to be parsimonious or stingy.
Scrimp
A pinching miser; a niggard.
Skimp
Scanty.
Scrimp
Subsist on a meager allowance;
Scratch and scrimp
Skimp
A skimpy or insubstantial thing, especially a piece of clothing.
Skimp
Underwear.
Skimp
To slight; to do carelessly; to scamp.
Skimp
To make insufficient allowance for; to scant; to scrimp.
Skimp
To save; to be parsimonious or niggardly.
Skimp
Scanty.
Skimp
Work hastily or carelessly; deal with inadequately and superficially
Skimp
Limit in quality or quantity
Skimp
Subsist on a meager allowance;
Scratch and scrimp
Skimp
Supply sparingly and with restricted quantities;
Sting with the allowance
Common Curiosities
Can scrimping be a positive trait?
Yes, scrimping is often seen as a positive trait, especially in financial contexts, as it denotes careful and prudent management of resources.
What is the main difference between scrimping and skimping?
The main difference lies in their connotations: scrimping is viewed positively as being economical, whereas skimping is negative, suggesting inadequacy or insufficient allocation.
How can skimping affect a business?
Skimping can negatively affect a business by compromising the quality of products or services, potentially damaging reputation and customer satisfaction.
What does it mean to scrimp on something?
To scrimp on something means to be very economical or restrictive in using or spending it, usually with the goal of saving.
Is skimping ever considered a good strategy?
Typically, skimping is not viewed positively as it tends to lead to poor outcomes due to not providing enough resources or effort.
Is skimping on time as common as skimping on materials?
Yes, skimping on time is quite common, especially in professional settings where tight deadlines may lead individuals or teams to allocate insufficient time to tasks, potentially affecting the quality of work.
How do cultural perceptions of scrimping and skimping differ?
Cultural perceptions can vary widely; in some cultures, scrimping is highly valued as a sign of wisdom and foresight, whereas in others, skimping might be more accepted in certain contexts, though it generally carries a negative connotation globally.
What types of expenses might someone scrimp on?
Someone might scrimp on non-essential expenses such as dining out, entertainment, or luxury items in order to save money for more important needs or goals.
How can individuals balance the need to scrimp with the desire for occasional indulgences?
Individuals can balance the need to scrimp with indulgences by setting clear financial goals, budgeting for both necessities and luxuries, and occasionally allowing for controlled splurges as part of a well-managed financial plan.
How can someone transition from skimping to scrimping effectively?
Transitioning from skimping to scrimping effectively involves planning and prioritizing expenditures more carefully, ensuring resources are used efficiently without compromising quality or necessity.
Can scrimping lead to financial stability?
Scrimping can indeed lead to financial stability as it helps individuals manage their resources more efficiently, potentially increasing savings and reducing unnecessary expenses.
Are there psychological impacts of constantly scrimping?
Constant scrimping can lead to stress and anxiety if it stems from financial necessity; however, if done by choice, it can also bring a sense of control and security.
What are some common consequences of skimping in the workplace?
Common consequences of skimping in the workplace include decreased employee morale, lower product quality, increased error rates, and potential long-term financial losses due to customer dissatisfaction.
Is it possible to skimp on emotional investments in relationships?
Yes, it is possible to skimp on emotional investments in relationships, which can manifest as giving minimal effort or attention, potentially leading to strained relationships or dissatisfaction among partners.
What strategies can businesses use to avoid skimping?
Businesses can avoid skimping by investing in quality materials, adequate staffing, and thorough training, ensuring they allocate sufficient resources to maintain high standards of service and product quality.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
