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.
The ministry said the armed forces, the Bundeswehr, had used "inexpensive, off-the-shelf drones for training purposes" such as target practice, buying them "with minimal bureaucratic effort".
From Barron's ● Nov. 11, 2026
It’s inexpensive, keeps beautifully in the refrigerator and requires very little effort to turn into something special.
From Salon ● Nov. 5, 2026
Ultra-processed products are often inexpensive, widely available, and easy to prepare, making them practical choices for households facing financial or time constraints.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 4, 2026
Harley-Davidson is bucking a downturn in sales of leisure products, heading for its first full-year retail sales increase since 2021, by offering new and relatively inexpensive models along with rebates and favorable financing.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 4, 2026
Amazed by the scores of inexpensive ethnic restaurants, they left Taco Bell behind for good.
From "Geeks: How Two Lost Boys Rode the Internet Out of Idaho" by Jon Katz
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