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

If “Oh, Mary!” is out of someone’s price range, do something more cost-effective or make seeing the play optional.

From MarketWatch

That is because separating the magnets from the other materials and parts they are embedded in hasn’t been cost-effective—especially when access to low-cost products from China hasn’t been a worry.

From The Wall Street Journal

The company is positioned to weather competition, with a slice of OpenAI, a dominant position selling cost-effective AI solutions to companies, and potential 2025 free cash flow of more than $70 billion.

From Barron's

The original plan had focused on ramping up installation of insulation in homes which was considered a cost-effective way to reduce heat loss from the UK's leaky housing stock.

From BBC

"This would make treatments much more cost-effective and ready when patients need them."

From Science Daily

Related Words

• practical
• profitable
• worthwhile