inexpensive
ih-nihk-SPEHN-sihv
Inexpensive (adjective) means not costing much; reasonably priced. Example: “They found an inexpensive hotel just outside the city centre.”
adjective
1
Not costing much; reasonably priced.
"They found an inexpensive hotel just outside the city centre."
"Rice and beans are an inexpensive way to feed a family."
"This inexpensive little camera takes surprisingly good photos for beginners."
How to use inexpensive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCheap in a good way — affordable without seeming low-quality.
Common mistake
Softer and more positive than cheap, which can suggest poor quality; inexpensive just means the price is low.
Common pairings
relatively inexpensive
inexpensive alternative
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more inexpensive
- Superlative
- most inexpensive
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They found an _____ hotel just outside the city centre.
Etymology
From in- + expensive, from Latin expensa, "expenses."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for inexpensive
See all rhymes for 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.
