Definition

1. Verb (transitive and intransitive):
   • To provide, use, or spend something in a very limited, insufficient, or stingy manner.
   • To perform a task hastily or carelessly, without giving it proper attention or effort.

Usage

The verb "skimp" is used to describe the action of being overly frugal or inadequate, either in the allocation of resources (like money, materials, or food) or in the execution of a task. It often carries a negative connotation of being ungenerous or negligent.

Examples

• Transitive verb (with object):
  • The company skimps on safety equipment to save money. (The company provides insufficient safety equipment.)
  • Don't skimp the butter in this recipe; it needs to be rich. (Don't use too little butter.)
• Intransitive verb (often followed by 'on'):
  • They never skimp on quality when it comes to their products. (They never reduce quality to save money.)
  • He skimped on his studies and failed the exam. (He did not put enough effort into his studies.)

Advanced Usage

• "to skimp and save": To be extremely frugal over a period of time, often with the goal of saving money for a specific purpose.
  • They skimped and saved for years to buy their first house.
• "to skimp on details": To omit or provide insufficient details, often leading to a poor outcome.
  • The report was useless because the author skimped on the details.

Variants and Related Words

• Skimpy (adjective): Very small or insufficient in size or amount.
  • She wore a skimpy dress. (The dress was very small and revealing.)
• Skimpily (adverb): In a skimpy manner.
  • The model was dressed skimpily for the photo shoot.

Synonyms

• Scrimp: To be very economical or sparing.
• Stint: To supply or use a very limited amount.
• Cut corners: To do something in the easiest or cheapest way, often sacrificing quality.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

• Skimp on (something): This is the most common construction. It means to not use enough of something or to not spend enough money on it.
  • You shouldn't skimp on insurance.
  • The builder skimped on materials, and now the roof is leaking.

Related Idioms

• Penny-wise and pound-foolish: This idiom describes someone who is careful about small amounts of money ("skimps" on small things) but wasteful with large amounts. It relates to the poor judgment often implied by "skimping."
  • By buying the cheapest tires, he was penny-wise and pound-foolish; they wore out in six months.

Verb

1. supply sparingly and with restricted quantities
   • sting with the allowance
2. subsist on a meager allowance
   • scratch and scrimp
3. limit in quality or quantity
4. work hastily or carelessly; deal with inadequately and superficially