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

Finally, cooperation across multiple stakeholders—designers, suppliers, communities and policymakers—is a concern, but rallying around a more streamlined, energy-efficient, cost-effective, sustainable investment strategy could unlock levels of teamwork to achieve more with less. —Kathleen Abbott, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

Shingles are a higher-end, but still relatively cost-effective, option that provides a more textured look that mimics natural materials. —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 25 June 2025

As a result, the American order was remarkably cost-effective, because the rules so seldom had to be enforced. —Kori Schake, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025

But the Nets are in a position to package those picks to either move up or add selections for teams that need cost-effective depth on rookie deals. —Zach Harper, New York Times, 24 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