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

The Malaysia-based no-frills airline said it was also raising fares by up to 40 percent and about 10 percent of its overall flights had been cut so far at the time.

From Barron's • May 7, 2026

Competing airlines vigorously matched its fares, even if it was with one of those no-frills basic economy tickets.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 2, 2026

Spirit Airlines is officially shutting down after a 34-run of offering cheap, no-frills flights — one that was ultimately marred by a major strategic blunder.

From MarketWatch • May 2, 2026

As a no-frills carrier, Spirit adds pressure on larger airlines, which have responded with bare-bones "basic economy" offerings, according to Brueckner.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

Coach brought us to a no-frills pizza spot near the hotel and ordered seven large pies for the team.

From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan

Related Words

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