What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
scant
Example
The company's budget was scant, so they had to cut back on expenses. [scant: adjective]
Example
The waiter scanted the portions of food, leaving the customers feeling unsatisfied. [scanted: past tense verb]
skimp
Example
The contractor tried to skimp on materials to save money, but it ended up costing more in the long run. [skimp: verb]
Example
The hotel skimped on housekeeping, resulting in dirty rooms and unhappy guests. [skimped: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scant is less common than skimp in everyday language, but it is still used in formal or technical contexts. Skimp is more versatile and can be used in various contexts, making it more common in everyday language.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between scant and skimp?
Scant is typically associated with a more formal tone, while skimp is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
