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Glite Dictionary
to skimp on

to skimp on

7 6.8
Give less of something than is needed to save money or effort
  • phrasal verb
  • /skɪmp ɒn/
translation icon : escatimar en
  • We can't skimp on the investment we're making in our children's future.

Pro tip, do not, Oh no, do not skimp on the sunscreen.

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Examples

  • As a result, she skimped on her medical care by seeing her oncologist less than recommended and postponing her reconstructive surgery.

    Academic text (2013)

  • But I think that what people are really saying is they don't want me to skimp on the detail.

  • So this is a thing that I like to point out is this is the moment not to skimp on testing.

  • You may have found yourself paying them off for months, or worse, having to skimp on other things.

    Blog text (29)

  • Though sometimes he skimped on the paperwork.

    AstroVan (2025)

  • Hey, yours truly will NEVER skimp on Halloween; it's pretty much a way of life for me.

    Blog text (24)

  • Don't skimp on the meat.

    The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986)

  • Please don't skimp on the soap.

    Everyone's Hero (2006)

  • Also, they don't skimp on the food and clothing they give to the needy.

    Blog text (4)

  • When preparing for the barbecue, make sure not to skimp on the burgers, as everyone loves a hearty meal.

Synonyms

to skimp
vsto skimp on
16 5.8

Use less of something than is needed to save money or time

is used with a following preposition to indicate the action
to scrimp
vsto skimp on
8 7.4

Spend very little money by using only what you need

is a less extreme more general reduction to save money or effort
to underuse
vsto skimp on
1 3.6

To use something less than you should

focuses on deliberate reduction to save money or effort rather than mere low usage
to undersupply
vsto skimp on
5.3

To give less of something than people need

is about reducing use or provision specifically to save money or effort

How Generous

to spend
∞ 1.0
to provide
∞ 1.5
to skimp on
7 6.8
to withhold
210 5.1

Surface Forms

skimp on infinitive
skimped on past
skimped on past participle
skimping on present participle
skimps on third person singular

Morphology

skimp + on

The core sense is carried by 'skimp' ('to save by using less than required'), and the preposition 'on' simply marks the target of that saving (what is being provided less of). This is a straightforward verb + preposition composition that a B1 learner who knows both words can readily interpret, so the expression is transparently compositional.

Etymology

Skimp on comes from the picture of skimp meaning to give very little and on showing what is reduced. Imagine someone putting just a tiny scoop of food on your plate to 'save money'. That's why it means 'to use or give less than needed'.