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 sloppy journalism portends a cost-effective, less-human creative process in the not too distant future; one that speaks to dystopian fears around AI. —Emil Steiner, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025

To make spaceflight more efficient and cost-effective, the spacecraft is reusable, capable of withstanding multiple reentries, and can remain docked at the ISS for extended stays. —Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 14 Aug. 2025

Overall, the Mockingbird is a cost-effective choice for growing families. —Laura Lu, Parents, 14 Aug. 2025

One drawback often associated with paraffin is its use of synthetic fragrances and dyes to produce a cost-effective material. —Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Aug. 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