To skimp means to use or provide less of something than you should, usually to save money or effort. When a baker skimps on chocolate chips, she adds fewer than the recipe calls for. When someone skimps on studying, they spend less time preparing than they really need.

The word carries a sense of cutting corners in a way that shows. If a painter skimps on primer, the final coat might look uneven. If you skimp on sleep before a big day, you'll probably feel tired and unfocused. You can also skimp by, which means to barely get by with very little: a family might skimp by on a tight budget, carefully managing every dollar.

Skimping is different from being economical or efficient. Efficient means getting good results while avoiding waste. Skimping means providing or using less than what's really needed, often leading to poorer quality or problems later. A skimpy portion at dinner can leave you hungry.

The word often appears as a warning: “Don't skimp on safety equipment” or “Don't skimp on the foundation when building.” The message is clear: some things are worth doing right, even if it costs more time or money.