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-effectiveness
  noun
• cost-effectively
  adverb

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Compare meaning

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

• cost-effective vs. cost-efficient

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

cost-effective

As a result, the business has become more cost-effective.

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 3, 2026

Rivan is one of several companies betting they can make green fuels cost-effective by doing everything under one roof.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 29, 2026

To help you prepare for the chillier months, BBC News asked families and experts to share their tips for keeping your home warm and cost-effective.

From BBC ● Oct. 23, 2026

"With inflation, parents are choosing the most cost-effective entertainment option."

From Barron's ● Oct. 22, 2026

But a PIH doctor spoke up, saying that he had signed the Hippocratic Oath to practice medicine ethically, but he didn’t remember signing an oath to do it in a cost-effective way.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French

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Related Words

• practical
• profitable
• worthwhile

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