To be frugal or economical, often to a fault, especially in the use of resources or expenditure. It implies a reluctance to spend or provide adequate amounts, sometimes leading to a noticeable reduction in quality or quantity. The action of 'skimping' suggests a deliberate choice to save money or conserve resources, often at the expense of something else. It can also be used to describe someone who does not devote enough time or attention to a task, implying a lack of thoroughness or effort.
Skimps meaning with examples
- The restaurant owner, notorious for cutting corners, skimps on ingredients. The portions are tiny, the quality is poor, and the customers often leave hungry and dissatisfied. His reputation for skimping has hurt his business, but he seems determined to prioritize profit over quality.
- When building their new house, the developers skimped on insulation to save money. This resulted in a drafty, energy-inefficient home. The homeowners later regretted the decision to skimp, as their heating bills were excessively high during winter.
- The company, facing budget cuts, decided to skimp on employee training programs. This decision led to a decrease in employee skill and motivation, ultimately affecting productivity. Managers acknowledged the importance of training but felt they had to skimp.
- The artist, pressed for time, decided to skimp on the detail in the background of the painting. It resulted in a work that looked rushed and unfinished. Though he had creative ideas, he couldn't put enough time in, choosing to skimp on the smaller details.