cost-effective

adjective

cost-ef·​fec·​tive ˈkȯst-ə-ˈfek-tiv How to pronounce cost-effective (audio)
-ˌfek-
: producing good results without costing a lot of money
cost-effective measures to combat poverty
Robot spot welding can be quite cost-effective …—Harry H. Poole
cost-effectiveness noun

Examples of cost-effective in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The only real discussion about this business on the call is how its VMware private cloud AI allows enterprises to run a secure, cost-effective platform to build and run AI alongside existing applications. — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026 Ultimately, it was decided that the most sustainable and cost-effective solution was to keep the historic vehicles but carry out updates. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2026 Premium brand positioning requires different processes than a cost-effective provider. — Kumar Rupesh, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 The ministry plans to use attack drones in coordination with long-range missiles for more cost-effective counterstrikes. — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cost-effective

Word History

First Known Use

1966, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cost-effective was in 1966

Rhymes for cost-effective

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Browse Nearby Words

costean
cost-effective
cost-efficient
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Cite this Entry

“Cost-effective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cost-effective. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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