cost-effective

USAGE SUMMARY

'cost-effective' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adjective used to describe something that offers value for money by being efficient or low in cost. Example sentence: "We are looking for a cost-effective solution to reduce our electricity bill."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Recommended cost-effective energy modifications.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They are extraordinarily cost-effective.

The New York Times

It is very cost-effective".

Independent

Bluetooth is very cost-effective".

The New York Times - Tech

And they are cost-effective.

The New York Times

It's also cost-effective".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

This can be cost effective".

The New York Times

"It's very cost effective".

The New York Times

Is it cost effective?

Harvard University

It is more cost effective.

The New York Times

They're also more cost effective.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a solution as "cost-effective", quantify the benefits or savings whenever possible. Provide specific numbers to strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "cost-effective" as a generic positive attribute without backing it up with data. If you can't demonstrate the value compared to the cost, choose a more general descriptor like 'efficient' or 'useful'.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "cost-effective" is as a descriptive adjective. It modifies a noun, indicating that the noun provides good value in relation to its cost. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "cost-effective" is a valuable adjective to describe something that offers good value in relation to its price. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used in diverse contexts, including news, business, and science. When using the term, it's crucial to provide evidence and quantify the benefits to support your claim. Alternatives like "economical" or "efficient" can be used for variety, but "cost-effective" specifically highlights the balance between cost and benefit. Therefore, understanding its precise meaning and usage will enhance your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

value-for-money

Directly expresses that the benefits are worth the price.

economical

Focuses on avoiding waste and minimizing expense.

worth the investment

Suggests that the initial outlay is justified by the expected returns.

efficient

Emphasizes achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense.

economically sound

Implies a stable and financially responsible choice.

budget-friendly

Highlights affordability, especially for those with limited budgets.

affordable

Stresses that something is within one's financial reach.

low-cost

Simply indicates a small expense.

prudent

Implies wisdom and careful management of resources.

competitive

Focuses on the favorable cost compared to similar offerings.

FAQs

How can I use "cost-effective" in a sentence?

You can use "cost-effective" to describe a solution, method, or product that provides good value for the money. For example: "We implemented a "cost-effective" strategy to reduce marketing expenses."

What are some synonyms for "cost-effective"?

Alternatives to "cost-effective" include "economical", "efficient", "budget-friendly", and "value-for-money".

Is it correct to say something is "very cost-effective"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and acceptable to use adverbs like "very", "highly", or "extremely" to modify "cost-effective" to emphasize the degree of value provided.

What's the difference between "cost-effective" and "cheap"?

"Cost-effective" implies a good balance between cost and quality or benefit, whereas "cheap" simply means low in price, potentially sacrificing quality. A "cost-effective" solution might not be the cheapest, but it offers the best overall value.