at minimum cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at minimum cost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the goal of achieving something while spending the least amount of money possible. Example: "Our objective is to complete the project at minimum cost without compromising on quality."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The aim is to determine optimal schedules at minimum cost.

Waste Management

Union officials argue that Yale can settle the dispute at minimum cost.

The New York Times

Some executives dutifully meet SOX requirements, but at minimum cost and utilizing the fewest possible resources.

Harvard Business Review

Generally, the farmer tries to obtain satisfactory yield at minimum cost in money and labour.

Britannica

Not only would that ensure that the treaty was implemented at minimum cost.

The Economist

The system is designed at minimum cost and provides more detailed data at a faster rate.

Desalination

Then a suboptimal control aiming at minimum cost performance with gain constraints is advanced.

Acta Automatica Sinica

Economists reckon that emissions trading will make it possible to achieve necessary reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at minimum cost.

The Guardian - Books

However, due to budget limitations, an optimal methodology to estimate the integrity of a structure at minimum cost is required.

Engineering Structures

Reviewing these specific case study results, we find that the major advantage is maximum system operating performance at minimum cost.

Computer Standards & Interfaces

It provides a global optimization, albeit idealized, that shows how site useful energy loads can be served at minimum cost.

Energy and Buildings

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, specify what kind of "cost" you're minimizing (e.g., financial, environmental, labor).

Common error

Avoid prioritizing "at minimum cost" to such an extent that it compromises essential quality, safety, or ethical standards.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at minimum cost" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the manner in which an action is performed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

13%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at minimum cost" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the goal of achieving something with the least possible expenditure. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across diverse contexts. While aiming for cost-effectiveness is generally positive, it's crucial to balance it with quality, safety, and ethical considerations. Related phrases, such as "at the lowest cost" or "in a cost-effective manner", offer similar meanings with slight variations in tone and emphasis. The phrase appears frequently in scientific, news, and business contexts, highlighting its relevance in discussions about efficiency and resource management.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the lowest cost

Replaces "minimum" with "lowest", emphasizing the absolute lowest expenditure.

at minimal expense

Replaces "minimum" with "minimal" which is a synonym.

at the least expense

Substitutes "cost" with "expense", offering a slightly more formal tone.

for the lowest price

Uses "price" instead of "cost", suitable when discussing monetary value specifically.

in a cost-effective manner

Emphasizes the balance between cost and effectiveness.

in the most economical way

Highlights the economical aspect of achieving a goal.

with maximum efficiency

Focuses on efficiency as a means to reduce cost, shifting the emphasis slightly.

at a bargain price

Indicates a price that is lower than the item's true value.

on a shoestring budget

Implies a very tight budget, requiring extreme cost-saving measures.

at no extra charge

Indicates that there are no additional costs associated.

FAQs

How can I use "at minimum cost" in a sentence?

You can use "at minimum cost" to describe a process or strategy that aims to achieve a goal with the least possible expenditure. For example: "The project was completed "at minimum cost" without sacrificing quality."

What are some alternatives to "at minimum cost"?

Alternatives include "at the lowest cost", "at the least expense", or "in a cost-effective manner" depending on the specific context.

Is it always a good idea to aim for "at minimum cost"?

While minimizing cost is often desirable, it's important to balance it with other factors such as quality, safety, and ethical considerations. Sometimes, the cheapest option may not be the best in the long run.

How does "at minimum cost" compare to "at no extra charge"?

"At minimum cost" implies that there will be some expense, but it will be as low as possible. "At no extra charge" means that there is no additional expense beyond what has already been agreed upon.