Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - sparing

 adjective  Date: 14th century  1. marked by or practicing careful restraint (as in the use of resources)  2. meager, bare the map is ~ of information  • ~ly adverb Synonyms:  ~, frugal, thrifty, economical mean careful in the use of one's money or resources. ~ stresses abstention and restraint ~ in the offering of advice. frugal implies absence of luxury and simplicity of lifestyle ran a frugal household. thrifty stresses good management and industry thrifty use of nonrenewable resources. economical stresses prudent management, lack of wastefulness, and use of things to their best advantage an economical health-care plan.