Economic vs Economical: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
Economic" means related to the economy, while "economical" means being thrifty or cost-effective.
Memory Tip: economic = economy, economical = save money
economic stress on 'nom', economical stress on 'nom' and 'cal'
economic
adjectiveEconomic means related to the production, distribution, and use of goods and services in a society.
Example:
Although the economic situation has been challenging, the government has implemented new policies to stimulate growth.
Common patterns:
economic growth
economic crisis
economic policy
economical /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪkəl/
adjectiveEconomical means using resources carefully and without waste.
Example:
Although the new car model is more economical in terms of fuel consumption, it lacks the advanced features of its predecessor.
Common patterns:
economical solution
economical choice
economical car
Common Mistakes
The new hybrid car is very economic on fuel.
The new hybrid car is very economical on fuel.
The sentence refers to being cost-effective with fuel, so 'economical' is correct.
The country's economical policies have led to growth.
The country's economic policies have led to growth.
The sentence refers to policies related to the economy, so 'economic' is correct.
Quick Practice
0/2 correct1. Although the ____ situation has been challenging, the government has implemented new policies to stimulate growth.
2. Although the new car model is more ____ in terms of fuel consumption, it lacks the advanced features of its predecessor.
Other Confusing Words
Never confuse economic / economical again
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