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low-cost

low-cost

42 2.0
Cheap to buy and easy to afford
  • adjective
  • /loʊ kɔst/
translation icon : económico
  • Affordable, low-cost waterfront condominiums starting in the low 200s, and sales are better than we ever expected.
  • low-cost housing
  • low-cost care
  • low-cost labor

How they had a program where they can lease you low cost instruments.

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Examples

  • And we do need volunteers, because many of our services are free or low-cost for our clients.

  • For example, numerous low-cost technologies are now available to treat water quickly without large-scale infrastructure.

    Academic text (2008)
  • So today our main need is speed, scale and low cost models.

  • I love this as a great simple low cost way to invest.

  • An incredible effect for a very low cost, low impact creation.

  • The functional properties and low cost of the oil make it attractive for such uses.

    Academic text (1991)
  • Although global learning cannot replace exchange programs, it has the advantage of lower cost and fewer logistics.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Large-ensemble classes provide powerful music learning experiences and do so at a uniquely low cost per student.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Slate and Company... will revolutionize the building industry... by providing simple, low-cost, modular housing units.

  • This company is known for offering low-cost travel options that appeal to budget-conscious tourists.

Synonyms

cheap
vslow-cost
1.0

Costing little money compared with similar things

means low price regardless of comparison with others
affordable
vslow-cost
307 2.1

Not too expensive for most people to buy

refers to low price not necessarily tied to buyers' means
inexpensive
vslow-cost
86 1.0

Not costing much

focuses on both buying and keeping expenses
low-budget
vslow-cost
32 3.0

Planned or made to cost little money

describes low buying or maintenance cost rather than funding limits
dirt cheap
vslow-cost
  • Informal
14 2.8

Very cheap and costing almost nothing

means merely not high in price or maintenance rather than extreme cheapness
low-priced
vslow-cost
11 1.0

Not costing much money

includes both low purchase price and low upkeep expense
no-frills
vslow-cost
5 3.8

Simple and basic without extra services or decoration

is about low price or upkeep rather than product simplicity
econ
vslow-cost
  • Informal
6.7

A low-cost basic version of a product to save money

is a neutral term for price and ongoing upkeep
cheapie
vslow-cost
  • Informal
6.7

Costing very little money

describes low price more neutrally and without slang

Antonyms

31 3.5

Costing a lot of money

How Expensive

luxury
322 4.2
expensive
1.0
midrange
1 3.9
low-cost
42 2.0
cheap
1.0
free
1.0

Surface Forms

low-cost positive

Morphology

low-cost = low + cost (transparent) = low + cost

Direct compound of 'low' + 'cost' with an immediately inferable meaning 'having a low cost'.

Etymology

Low-cost comes from the two simple words low ('not high') and cost ('price to pay'). So something described as low-cost has a 'low price' and is inexpensive to buy or keep.