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

This model solves issues for those without home charging, reduces grid strain, and allows stations to be located in less prime, more cost-effective areas, offering additional car services like washes. — Brad Templeton, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

The Chicago region’s subsurface ground conditions, along with its warm summers and cold winters, makes geothermal energy cost-effective and useful throughout the year, said Kenneth Maruyama, senior vice president of Tree Street Group. — Brian J. Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026

Perhaps in the arrogant belief that a war with Iran would quickly end in a decisive victory, the Pentagon did not have cost-effective systems ready to intercept these weapons. — Phillips Payson O’Brien, The Atlantic, 3 Aug. 2026

Experts recommend air sealing and adding attic insulation as cost-effective ways to improve efficiency. — Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 3 Aug. 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