Economic or Economical?

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Economic or Economical?

What is the difference between "economic" and "economical"?
  • "Economic" pertains to the economy.
  • "Economical" means not wasteful.
economic or economical?
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More about "Economic" and "Economical"

The words "economic" and "economical" do mean the same thing; i.e., they are not synonyms.

Economic

The adjective "economic" pertains to the economy, finances, or wealth. For example:
  • The economic deceleration will likely cause a further fall in unemployment.
  • The host will interview the winners and losers from the current economic situation.
  • It's not about money - he is fine from an economic perspective.

Economical

The adjective "economical" describes something that saves money or resources or is not wasteful of money or resources. For example:
  • It has a powerful yet economical engine that is suitable for high-mileage drivers.
  • The most practical and economical way to see Brazil is by air.

Common Terms With Economic and Economical

Here are some common terms with "economic" and "economical":

Economic
  • economic analysis
  • economic boom
  • economic climate
  • economic capital
  • economic development
  • economic downturn
  • economic market
  • economic outlook
  • economic quarter
  • economic recovery
  • economic uncertainty
  • economic year
Economical
  • economical boiler
  • economical car
  • economical fridge
  • economical meals
  • economical option
  • economical with the truth
The Adverb Is "Economically" for Both


The adverb is easy – it's "economically" for "economic" and "economical." For example:
  • Economically, the country is in good shape.
  • The car runs economically.
Interactive Exercise
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See Also

adverse or averse? affect or effect? appraise or apprise? avenge or revenge? bare or bear? complement or compliment? dependant or dependent? discreet or discrete? disinterested or uninterested? e.g. or i.e.? envy or jealousy? imply or infer? its or it's? material or materiel? poisonous or venomous? practice or practise? principal or principle? tenant or tenet? who's or whose? What are adjectives? What are adverbs? List of easily confused words