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

Brett Bowman Long before many recognized the need for dignified, cost-effective housing, Brett Bowman envisioned mobile home communities as catalysts for opportunity and stability. —Jason Phillips, USA Today, 15 June 2025

The compact device is a convenient and cost-effective way to cool down personal spaces throughout the home. —Isabel Garcia, People.com, 14 June 2025

Costco: What To Know About These Warehouse Memberships Wine, Beer, and Spirits While not available in all states, purchasing alcohol at Costco is often a cost-effective choice. —Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 13 June 2025

Over time, the machinery evolved, got more cost-effective, and, in some cases, prettier. —Liza Weisstuch, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 June 2025

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