cheap feeling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'cheap feeling' is generally not used in written English. It can be used to describe a sensation of something being of low quality or feeling insubstantial. For example, "The pencils I bought felt so cheap; I had a cheap feeling in my hand as I wrote."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

There is no cheap feeling in his poetry, no glibness.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's the kind of thing that flatters readers into a cheap feeling of sophistication, as if merely to read names like Thales and Epictetus were equivalent to understanding what those thinkers wrote.

The New York Times - Books

Soft-touch materials on the dash mark a departure from the dinky cheap feeling Fords of models earlier.

TechCrunch

The stainless steel case feels rugged and able to withstand bumps and drops, and the leather band (while stiff and somewhat cheap feeling) is durable.

TechCrunch

But the actions of such switches especially the inaudible turn signal (this isn't a quiet car; it needs a louder indicator) and windshield wiper controls are impossibly cheap feeling, almost toyish.

Forbes

That said, the specs on this guy are pretty great considering its $149 price point, so if you can deal with a somewhat cheap feeling phone (re: plastic), the Glide certainly performs well.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The remote is mostly solid, but it's made of a cheaper feeling plastic than the previous Fire TV and its directional buttons creak slightly.

The Guardian - Tech

Mr McCormick said Lakeside had a "slightly cheaper feeling than Bluewater".

BBC

The interior is a cheap-feeling synthetic, however — it'll work, but you won't feel like royalty using it.

TechCrunch

The Iconia is a lumpen slab of cheap-feeling plastic and glass.

The Guardian - Tech

(There's an even less expensive Chromebook from Acer — $200 — although reviewers seem to find it somewhat cheap-feeling).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing products, specify what gives the "cheap feeling". Is it the material, the construction, or the design?

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "cheap feeling" without providing concrete details. Instead, specify the tactile qualities or visual elements that contribute to this perception, such as flimsy plastic, rough texture, or poor finish.

Linguistic Context

'Cheap feeling' functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used to characterize a physical object or experience. The adjective 'cheap' modifies the noun 'feeling', indicating a sensation or impression of low quality. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is generally not used in written English; It can be used to describe a sensation of something being of low quality or feeling insubstantial.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cheap feeling" describes a sensation or impression of low quality, often associated with tactile or visual experiences. Ludwig AI notes that it is acceptable, although not frequently used in formal writing. Analysis of its usage reveals it's most common in News & Media, where it serves to negatively assess the quality of products or experiences. To enhance clarity in your writing, it's advisable to specify what exactly contributes to the "cheap feeling", focusing on materials, construction, or design elements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

low-quality sensation

Focuses on the sensory experience of poor quality rather than the emotional aspect.

inferior quality impression

Emphasizes the perceived low quality and the mental image it creates.

shoddy quality perception

Highlights the poor workmanship and how it's perceived.

inexpensive feel

Directly links the feeling to the low cost or value.

poor craftsmanship impression

Focuses on the lack of skill in the creation of something.

bad quality sensation

A more general way to describe the feeling of something poorly made.

unrefined sensation

Highlights a lack of sophistication or polish.

tawdry experience

Emphasizes the cheap and showy nature of the experience.

flimsy sensation

Highlights the lack of robustness and durability.

downmarket experience

Links the feeling to something being of lower social status or quality.

FAQs

What does "cheap feeling" mean?

The phrase "cheap feeling" generally describes the impression that something is of low quality, poorly made, or lacks durability. It often refers to a tactile or visual sensation associated with inexpensive materials or shoddy construction.

How can I avoid giving something a "cheap feeling"?

To avoid giving something a "cheap feeling", focus on using high-quality materials, ensuring solid construction, and paying attention to details in the finish. Consider tactile qualities like smoothness, weight, and texture to create a sense of value.

What are some synonyms for "cheap feeling" when describing a product?

Instead of "cheap feeling", you can use phrases like "low-quality impression", "poor craftsmanship", or "flimsy sensation" to convey a similar meaning. The specific alternative will depend on the exact aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it grammatically correct to use the phrase "cheap feeling"?

While "cheap feeling" isn't necessarily grammatically incorrect, it's often more effective to use more descriptive language that specifies the qualities contributing to that impression. For example, "the plastic felt flimsy" or "the finish looked shoddy" provides more concrete information.