Cost-effective Definition & Meaning

American

British

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Synonyms cost-effective American [kawst-i-fek-tiv, kost-] / ˈkɔst ɪˈfɛk tɪv, ˈkɒst- /

adjective

1. producing optimum results for the expenditure.

cost-effective British

adjective

1. providing adequate financial return in relation to outlay

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

• cost-effectively adverb
• cost-effectiveness noun

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How does cost-effective compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• cost-effective vs. cost-efficient

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The U.S. and Gulf Arab states are learning from Ukraine’s cost-effective drone-defense methods after using expensive missiles against inexpensive Iranian drones.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Cap-and-invest is so important because it helps reduce emissions, it generates desperately needed revenue, and it is the most cost-effective approach to reducing greenhouse gas pollution that we have,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

Why sending Uber Eats gift cards may not be the most helpful or cost-effective way to support friends going through a rough time.

From MarketWatch

Use of mine water for cooling is permitted and encouraged in many states, providing a sustainable and cost-effective solution for data centers.

From The Wall Street Journal

California Public Utilities Commission spokesperson Terrie Prosper called California “a leader in cost-effective, least-cost solar deployment overall compared to any other state,” in an emailed statement.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• practical
• profitable
• worthwhile

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.