inexpensive
Americanadjective
adjective
Synonym Usage
See cheap.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of inexpensive
Explanation
Anything that's inexpensive doesn't cost a lot. The inexpensive camping trip your family takes, instead of flying first class to Disney World, might turn out to be a lot of fun! Inexpensive things are affordable, sometimes because they're cheaply made, but often because they're reasonably priced. Check out the thrift stores before you buy those $200 jeans — you might find an inexpensive used pair that looks identical! Or cook an inexpensive meal at home instead of eating at a fancy restaurant, and you'll have money to splurge on dessert. The Latin root of expensive means "weigh out money," and the prefix in- means "not."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Seal up air leaks: Inexpensive weatherstripping and caulking around leaky doors and windows stop hot air from seeping in and forcing your AC to run longer.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 29, 2026
Appeared in the March 21, 2026, print edition as 'When McDonald’s Was an Inexpensive Treat'.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026
Inexpensive moves like removing grimy backsplashes, re-grouting and replacing mismatched lighting can also make a big difference.
From Seattle Times • Mar. 8, 2024
Inexpensive, controllable talent always has been valued and new league rules might enhance that.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 13, 2023
Inexpensive racks with handles are on the market and are worth what they cost in saved nerves and unburned fingers.
From Every Step in Canning by Gray, Grace Viall
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
