Confusable words

economic vs economical: what's the difference?

economic
adjective
vs
economical
adjective
? ?

Economic and economical share a root but head in different directions. One is about the economy. The other is about saving money.

Economic

adjective

Economic relates to the economy, trade, industry, or money on a large scale.

  • The government announced new economic policies.
  • The country is facing an economic crisis.

Economical

adjective

Economical means careful with money, or efficient in using resources.

  • This car is very economical on fuel.
  • She's an economical shopper who always looks for deals.

Side by side

economic economical
Relates to The economy, trade, industry Saving money or resources
Used for Countries, markets, policies People, habits, products
Simple test "economic growth" means growth of the economy "an economical choice" means a money-saving choice

Quick rule

Economic is about the economy itself. Economical is about being thrifty and saving money.

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