1 C1 idiomatic informal
To save a sum of money by being very careful and spending as little as possible, often over a long period
"They scrimped together every penny they had to pay for their daughter's wedding."
inseparable
scrimp together
C1 informal inseparable transitive
To accumulate a sum of money through extreme frugality and sacrifice
In plain English
To save enough money by spending as little as possible, even when it's really hard
What does "scrimp together" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic informal
To gather limited resources with great effort and self-sacrifice in order to achieve something
"The family scrimped together enough to buy a second-hand car after months of going without luxuries."
inseparable
Usage tip
Carries a strong connotation of hardship and self-denial. More emotionally charged than 'save up'. More common in British English. Often followed by 'enough' or a specific sum.
Words that pair with "scrimp together"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
money funds enough savings pennies cash
How to conjugate "scrimp together"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
scrimp together
I/you/we/they
3rd person
scrimps together
he/she/it
Past simple
scrimped together
yesterday
Past participle
scrimped together
have + pp
-ing form
scrimping together
continuous
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