Definitions:

1. Refers to making limited supplies, money, or resources last longer than expected through careful management, thriftiness, or ingenuity. VERB
   • With the rent due and only a few dollars left in his bank account, he had to eke it out until his next paycheck.
2. To make a small supply last longer by using it carefully. VERB
   • She'll eke out that chili for a whole week.
3. To manage to make something last, especially when resources are scarce or insufficient. VERB
   • In times of scarcity, people have to eke it out, finding creative ways to stretch their resources and make ends meet.
4. To obtain or win something only with difficulty or great effort. VERB
   • The company expects to eke out a small profit this year.

Synonyms:

• budget
• cope
• get by
• get through
• manage
• save
• scrape
• scrimp
• stretch out
• survive