inexpensive
7 synonyms and 4 antonyms for inexpensive, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Not costing much; reasonably priced.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
budget-friendly
cost-effective
low-priced
reasonably priced
Antonyms
How to use inexpensive
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
relatively inexpensive
inexpensive alternative
Etymology
From in- + expensive, from Latin expensa, "expenses."
Full origin of inexpensive →Frequently asked questions
What does “inexpensive” mean?
The word “inexpensive” means not costing much; reasonably priced. In plain terms, cheap in a good way — affordable without seeming low-quality.
How do you pronounce “inexpensive”?
“Inexpensive” is pronounced ih-nihk-SPEHN-sihv (/ˌɪnɪkˈspɛnsɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “inexpensive” in a sentence?
Here is “inexpensive” used in a sentence: “They found an inexpensive hotel just outside the city centre.”
What part of speech is “inexpensive”?
“Inexpensive” is an adjective.
Where does the word “inexpensive” come from?
The word “inexpensive” comes from Latin. From in- + expensive, from Latin expensa, "expenses.".
Is “inexpensive” a common word?
“Inexpensive” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between "inexpensive" and "cheap"?
"Inexpensive" simply means not costing much or being reasonably priced, without any negative connotation. "Cheap" can carry the same meaning but often implies low quality or poor craftsmanship in addition to a low price.
Is "inexpensive" more formal than "cheap"?
Yes, "inexpensive" is generally considered the more neutral or formal choice, often used in reviews, advertising, or professional writing to praise good value without suggesting low quality. "Cheap" is more casual and can sound dismissive.
What is the opposite of "inexpensive"?
The opposite of "inexpensive" is "expensive," meaning costing a lot of money. Related terms like "costly" or "pricey" can also serve as opposites depending on the tone desired.
