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cost-effective

cost-effective

49 3.9
Gives good results while using little money
  • adjective
  • /ˈkɔst ɪˈfɛktɪv/
translation icon : rentable
  • Using public transport is a cost-effective way to save money on travel expenses.
  • a cost-effective way
  • a cost-effective solution
  • a cost-effective approach

There's better, safer, more cost effective ways of doing this.

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Examples

  • Training has proven time and again to be the most cost-effective solution to most common interoperability problems.

    Academic text (2011)
  • But as electronic controls became more cost effective, all new buildings now have electronic controls.

  • So that would be more cost effective in the long run.

  • So this makes the the vaccines very cost effective in developing countries.

  • Vaccines are one of the most cost effective ways of, of generating public health results.

  • So let me ask you, is it more cost effective to generate solar energy in California or in Illinois?

  • Pollution charges offer a natural and cost-effective way to use the market to address the waste problem.

    Academic text (1992)
  • Public health measures also represent a highly cost-effective element of national and local health strategies.

    Academic text (1999)
  • In addition, reducing secondary care activity in favor of primary care offers cost-effective care for diabetes.

    Academic text (2011)
  • There is no longer any question that solar energy is both feasible and also cost-effective.

Synonyms

economical
vscost-effective
23 3.8

Not using much money or resources and avoiding waste

focuses more on results per money rather than only saving resources
cost-efficient
vscost-effective
5 3.8

Gives good results while using little money

is the same idea but highlights value achieved per money spent
economic
vscost-effective
2 3.7

Using little time or few materials to avoid waste

emphasizes producing good results relative to money spent rather than resource frugality

Antonyms

1 5.6

Something that wastes a lot of money, time, or energy

How Cost-Effective

economical
23 3.8
cost-effective
49 3.9
wasteful
48 3.0

Surface Forms

cost-effective positive

Morphology

cost-effective = cost + effective (transparent) = cost + effective

The meaning is directly derived from 'cost' + 'effective' (producing good results relative to money spent), a clear compound for learners.

Etymology

Cost-effective is made from cost (meaning 'price') and effective (meaning 'works well' or 'gives a good result'). So, something cost-effective gives good results for the money you spend, meaning it works well without costing a lot.