no-frills

American  

[noh-frilz] / ˈnoʊˌfrɪlz /

adjective

1. providing or including basic services and necessities without any additional features or amenities.

   Food and beverages are not covered by the low no-frills airfare.

2. no-name.

3. unadorned; simple; plain; spare.

   a straightforward, no-frills package of healthcare benefits.

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no-frills British  

adjective

1. offering only a basic service in order to keep costs low

   a no-frills airline

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Etymology

Origin of no-frills

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Southwest Airlines’ stock on Wednesday rode a wave of renewed optimism about U.S. airlines in the new year, including a prediction from Barclays that the once no-frills air carrier will be more profitable in 2026.

From MarketWatch

So, the two arrived at a final compromise: A combination of both that had plenty of romance for Sally and all of Harry’s no-frills straight talk.

From Salon

Somewhere along the way I learned that bus drivers give the best cold-weather food recommendations — pragmatic, no-frills gospel.

From Salon

Its arrival also marks the resurrection of Criterion’s invaluable Eclipse line, a no-frills, hitherto exclusively DVD series that bundled often-obscure titles, usually grouped by director.

From The Wall Street Journal

Under normal circumstances, Penelope would have been surprised that the usually no-frills Miss Mortimer had chosen such an elegant restaurant for their meeting.

From Literature

Related Words

• elemental
• essential
• key
• main
• necessary
• primary
• primitive
• underlying
• vital