Inexpensive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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inexpensive

[หŒษชnษชkหˆspษ›nsษชv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

shopping

Affordable; not costing a lot of money.

Synonyms

affordable, budget-friendly, cheap.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
inexpensive

Used in a neutral context to describe something that does not cost a lot of money but still holds acceptable quality.

  • This restaurant serves delicious and inexpensive meals.
  • They found an inexpensive way to renovate their kitchen.
affordable

Used when emphasizing that something is within economic reach for most people, often in a positive way.

  • The housing project offers affordable apartments for young families.
  • We need to find an affordable solution to this problem.
cheap

Has a negative connotation when used to suggest that something is low in quality, though it can simply mean low-cost without the negative implication.

  • The fabric felt cheap and rough.
  • I found a cheap but tasty place to eat downtown.
budget-friendly

Used to indicate that something is suitable for someone with a limited budget, typically in a positive and relatable way.

  • Here are some budget-friendly travel destinations.
  • This store offers budget-friendly options for back-to-school supplies.

Examples of usage

  • This store offers a variety of inexpensive clothing options.
  • I'm looking for an inexpensive place to eat for lunch.
Context #2 | Adjective

quality

Not expensive; good value for money.

Synonyms

cost-effective, economical, reasonably priced.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
inexpensive

Suitable when describing something that has a low price, but it does not necessarily imply high quality.

  • This store sells inexpensive clothing.
  • I found an inexpensive hotel for our stay.
cost-effective

Ideal for use when discussing the value for money, particularly in business or investment contexts, where cost savings are balanced with effectiveness.

  • Solar panels are a cost-effective solution for reducing energy bills.
  • This marketing strategy is very cost-effective.
economical

Best suited for situations where the focus is on saving money or conserving resources, often implying efficiency.

  • We need a more economical car for our long commute.
  • This washing machine is economical and uses less water.
reasonably priced

Used to describe a product or service that is fairly priced without being too expensive, often implying good value for its cost.

  • These shoes are reasonably priced for their quality.
  • The restaurant offers good food at reasonably priced rates.

Examples of usage

  • Despite being inexpensive, this restaurant serves delicious food.
  • The hotel may be inexpensive, but it offers great amenities.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Economics

  • Consumer goods marked as inexpensive often reflect supply and demand dynamics, where high supply leads to lower prices.
  • In different economies, what is considered inexpensive can vary greatly. For example, a meal that costs $20 in one country may be inexpensive in another.
  • Goods labeled โ€˜inexpensiveโ€™ often appeal to budget-conscious shoppers, significantly influencing purchasing decisions.

Cultural References

  • In popular culture, synonyms for 'inexpensive' like 'budget-friendly' have become trendy, especially in lifestyle blogs and shows.
  • The rise of thrift shopping and sustainable fashion has made 'inexpensive' not just about price but also about smart spending and eco-friendliness.

Psychology

  • 'Inexpensive' items often evoke feelings of satisfaction, making buyers believe they are getting a good deal.
  • Consumer psychology shows people feel compelled to purchase items labeled as 'inexpensive' to increase their perceived value.
  • Studying how people perceive price and value is crucial for marketers, as their understanding can influence how 'inexpensive' products are presented.

Investment

  • In financial terms, an 'inexpensive' asset may indicate it's undervalued, presenting a potential opportunity for investors.
  • Investment strategies often emphasize finding 'inexpensive' stocks, suggesting that lower prices may lead to higher returns later.
  • The idea of 'inexpensive' applies not just to consumer goods but also to markets and assets, demonstrating the importance of recognizing value.

Origin of 'inexpensive'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'inexpensive' comes from the prefix 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'expensive' which relates to high cost.
  • It started being used in English around the late 19th century, reflecting the growing importance of affordability in consumer goods.
  • The antonym, 'expensive', has roots in Latin where 'expensivus' means 'costly'.

The word 'inexpensive' originated in the late 18th century, combining the prefix 'in-' (meaning 'not') and 'expensive'. It is used to describe something that does not cost a lot of money or is considered to be reasonably priced.


See also: expensively, inexpensively.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,933 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.