cost-effective

American  

[kawst-i-fek-tiv, kost-] / ˈkɔst ɪˈfɛk tɪv, ˈkɒst- /

adjective

1. producing optimum results for the expenditure.

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cost-effective British  

adjective

1. providing adequate financial return in relation to outlay

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Other Word Forms

• cost-effectively adverb
• cost-effectiveness noun

Compare meaning

How does cost-effective compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• cost-effective vs. cost-efficient

Example Sentences

Part of scaling is figuring out how to deploy in ways that are cost-effective.

From The Wall Street Journal

He wrote that doing this would be the “fastest and most cost-effective way” to raise the lake level.

From Los Angeles Times

Tesla’s new LFP battery plant in Michigan is expected to offer safer, more cost-effective cells and diversify its supply chain.

From Barron's

But advocates of alternative materials argue that while upfront costs may be higher, they can be longer-lasting and better for residents' health, ultimately making them more cost-effective.

From BBC

The U.S. and Gulf Arab states are learning from Ukraine’s cost-effective drone-defense methods after using expensive missiles against inexpensive Iranian drones.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• practical
• profitable
• worthwhile