inexpensive

American

[in-ik-spen-siv] / ˌɪn ɪkˈspɛn sɪv /

adjective

not expensive; not high in price; costing little.

Antonyms:

costly

inexpensive British

/ ˌɪnɪkˈspɛnsɪv /

adjective

not expensive; cheap

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

See cheap.

Other Word Forms

inexpensively adverb
inexpensiveness noun

Etymology

Origin of inexpensive

First recorded in 1830–40; in- ³ + expensive

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.

Private-market companies may look inexpensive, but that discount reflects the uncertainty and headwinds they face.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

The contrasting responses to the threat of inexpensive drones stems from differing approaches and economics—something the U.S. and its Gulf allies are increasingly taking into account as the war stretches into its third week.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 15, 2026

With inexpensive real estate, no state income tax and minimal regulation, Texas increasingly stands out as a hub for artificial-intelligence players.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 12, 2026

To conclude the workshop, Vicioso encourages participants to build lasting friendships and incorporate flower arranging into their daily practice — even if it’s just with a small, inexpensive bouquet.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 2, 2026

I had explicitly instructed my travel agent to choose something inexpensive, in the thirty-to-forty-dollar range.

From "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023