cost-effective

adjective

cost-ef·​fec·​tive ˈkȯst-ə-ˈfek-tiv 

-ˌfek-

: producing good results without costing a lot of money

cost-effective measures to combat poverty

Robot spot welding can be quite cost-effective …

—Harry H. Poole

cost-effectiveness noun

Examples of cost-effective in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, Jan noted that challenges persist in securing cost-effective raw materials, traceability and maintaining fiber quality, necessitating continuous innovation and collaboration. —Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 24 Feb. 2026

Drafting a quarterback on Day 3 could provide the Panthers with a cost-effective backup for Young for years to come. —Charlotte Observer, 24 Feb. 2026

Companies need systems that are verifiable, repeatable, and cost-effective—requirements that quickly erode the set-it-and-forget-it promise of fully autonomous, always-on agents. —Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 23 Feb. 2026

Air drying laundry is cost-effective and gentler on fabrics. —Emily Benda Gaylord, The Spruce, 23 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1966, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cost-effective

• ineffective
• intellective
• introspective
• irrespective
• nondirective
• nonselective
• retrospective
• unreflective
• advective
• affective
• collective
• connective