economical

• economicall (obsolete)
• œconomical (archaic)
• œconomicall (obsolete)

economic +‎ -al

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˌɛkəˈnɒmɪkəl/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ˌɛkəˈnɑmɪkəl/

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economical (comparative more economical, superlative most economical)

1. Careful with money so as not to spend too much; prudent; thrifty.

   He was an economical person by nature.

2. Saving money or resources.

   The new, eco-friendly bicycle was an economical purchase.

3. (dated) Relating to economy in any other sense.
   • 1854, Patrick Edward Dove, The Elements of Political Science‎, page 246:

     In economical science, value and the power of producing value are taken into consideration.

   • 1922, Eugen von Böhm-Bawerk, Capital and Interest: A Critical History of Economical Theory, page 218:

     By Use, then, in the sense given it by the Say-Hermann school, we have to think of an objective useful element which proceeds from goods, and acquires independent economical existence as well as independent economical value.

   • 2007, Who's Who in the Arab World, page 312:

     Doctor in Economical Sciences.

   • 2010, New Techniques and Technologies in Mining, page 20:

     Economical function usually has anti-crisis orientation and forms stable economical development of the state.

Modern usage prefers economic when describing the economy of a region or country (and when referring to personal or family budgeting). Economical is preferred when referring to thrift or value for money.

• economic