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

The team at Rainmaker says drones are the most precise and cost-effective way of cloud seeding, a process that uses molecules of silver iodide to attract water droplets and enhance the amount rain and snow that falls. — Daniel Manzo, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2026

There are many easy and cost-effective ways to purify water, such as boiling, filtration and treating with chemical disinfectants. — Elaine Reno, The Conversation, 8 Sep. 2026

Safe, cozy and cost-effective, electric fireplaces have a lot to offer in both aesthetics and comfort. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 7 Sep. 2026

Lightspeed added that retailers and brands can increase conversions by automatically selecting the fastest or most cost-effective shipping option for each order. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1966, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cost-effective

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