While “cheap” often implies a low cost, the word carries a variety of connotations, both positive and negative. Adjectives that describe “cheap” can give clearer context and a more precise understanding of the term.
Description of Cheap
“Cheap” refers to something that is low in cost, often implying it’s also of lesser quality.
Words to Describe Cheap
Here are the 30 most common words to describe Cheap:
- Affordable
- Inexpensive
- Economical
- Cost-effective
- Budget-friendly
- Discounted
- Low-priced
- Cut-rate
- Bargain
- Value-priced
- Thrifty
- Frugal
- Reasonable
- Shoddy
- Inferior
- Worthless
- Flimsy
- Trashy
- Tawdry
- Subpar
- Mediocre
- Second-rate
- Crummy
- Poor
- Low-end
- Tacky
- Paltry
- Skimpy
- Substandard
- Secondhand
Positive Words to Describe Cheap
- Affordable
- Economical
- Thrifty
- Frugal
- Cost-effective
- Bargain
- Value-priced
- Budget-friendly
- Discounted
- Reasonable
Negative Words to Describe Cheap
- Inferior
- Shoddy
- Tacky
- Flimsy
- Mediocre
- Worthless
- Subpar
- Crummy
- Tawdry
- Trashy
Adjectives for Cheap (Meanings and Example Sentences)
Affordable
- Meaning: Priced reasonably
- Sentence: We found an affordable vacation package.
Economical
- Meaning: Giving good value
- Sentence: It’s an economical choice for families.
Thrifty
- Meaning: Careful with money
- Sentence: My grandmother is very thrifty.
Inferior
- Meaning: Of poor quality
- Sentence: The product felt inferior to others.
Shoddy
- Meaning: Badly made
- Sentence: The dress had shoddy stitching.
Flimsy
- Meaning: Weak or thin
- Sentence: The material was too flimsy.
Tacky
- Meaning: In poor taste
- Sentence: The decor was rather tacky.
Mediocre
- Meaning: Average, not special
- Sentence: The food was quite mediocre.
Bargain
- Meaning: Good value
- Sentence: It was a real bargain.
Trashy
- Meaning: Cheap and bad quality
- Sentence: The novel was trashy entertainment.
Other Words to Describe Cheap
Words to Describe Cheap Person
- Miserly
- Penny-pinching
- Stingy
- Tightfisted
- Greedy
- Parsimonious
- Selfish
- Ungenerous
- Closefisted
- Money-grubbing
Words to Describe Someone Cheap
- Tightwad
- Scrooge
- Chintzy
- Frugal
- Miser
- Saver
- Economizer
- Skinflint
- Hoarder
- Piker
Words to Describe Something Cheap
- Bargain
- Knockoff
- Imitation
- Second-class
- Common
- Junky
- Cut-price
- Budget
- Discount
- Off-brand
Another Word for Budget Friendly
- Economical
- Affordable
- Reasonable
- Cost-effective
- Low-cost
- Discounted
- Frugal
- Savings-friendly
- Wallet-friendly
- Thrifty
How to Describe Cheap in Writing?
The term “cheap” has a duality that writers should be aware of. On the one hand, “cheap” can be seen as a boon — something that’s accessible and affordable, allowing more people to take advantage of a particular product, service, or experience.
Describing something as “budget-friendly” or “economical” emphasizes value without compromising quality. Conversely, “cheap” can also signify something of lesser quality or value. Writers should be specific in their descriptors, avoiding vagueness that might mislead the reader.
When using “cheap” in negative contexts, it’s often more effective to specify why something is cheap: is it poorly made? Is it lacking certain features? By giving clear context, writers can ensure their message about “cheapness” is accurately conveyed, whether they’re discussing cost, quality, or both.
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