sparingness

A family practices sparingness by using only one light in the evening.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • The quality of being sparing or frugal: "sparingness" refers to the tendency to use or give very little; restraint in spending, consumption, or generosity.
   • Scarcity or limited quantity: It can also denote the state of being meager or insufficient in amount.

Usage Examples

• (He gave very few compliments.)
• (The meal was very small or limited.)
• (He spent money very carefully.)

Advanced Usage

• "sparingness of resources": a situation where assets are limited.
  • The project failed due to the sparingness of both time and funding. (There was not enough time or money.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sparing (adj): characterized by restraint; giving or using only a little.
  • He was sparing with his words, speaking only when necessary. (He spoke very little.)
• Spare (verb): to refrain from harming or using; to give up something.
  • Please spare me the details. (Do not give me all the details.)

Synonyms

• Frugality: the quality of being economical with money or resources.
• Parsimony: extreme unwillingness to spend money or use resources.
• Meagerness: the state of being small or insufficient.

Related Idioms

• "with sparing hand": in a restrained or limited manner.
  • The chef used salt with a sparing hand, keeping the dish light. (He used very little salt.)