economic
adjectiveconnected with the economy: the production and use of money and resources
Economic = the economy: growth, policy, crisis.
Economic vs economical
One is about countries and money systems. The other is about saving money in daily life.
2 wordsaudio · quiz
Quick answer
Economic is about the economy. Economical means good value, not wasteful.
economical
adjectivecheap to use; not wasting money, time or energy
Economical = saves money: a small, cheap-to-run car.
The difference at a glance
| Word | Type | Means | Example | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| economic | adjective | connected with the economy: the production and use of money and resources | The country faces serious economic problems. | |
| economical | adjective | cheap to use; not wasting money, time or energy | A small car is more economical to run. |
See each one in a sentence
adjective
economic
Examples
The country faces serious economic problems.
Interest rates affect economic growth.
Common mistake
Not: The country is facing serious economical problems.
Say: The country is facing serious economic problems.
Problems in a country's economy are economic. Economical means avoiding waste.
adjective
economical
Examples
A small car is more economical to run.
Cooking at home is more economical than eating out.
Common mistake
Not: This printer is very economic to use.
Say: This printer is very economical to use.
For saving money in daily use, say economical.
Pick the right word
Fill the gap
Read the sentence, then choose the word that fits.
Now use them yourself
Write or say two sentences, one with each word, in a real conversation.