Is cheaply always a negative word?

No. It can simply mean 'at a low price'. But it can sound negative when quality is poor.

What is the difference between cheaply and inexpensively?

Cheaply is more common and can sound negative. Inexpensively is more neutral and polite.

Can I say 'I bought it cheaply'?

Yes. It means you paid a low price for it.

Is cheaply used in business writing?

Yes, but often only for price or cost. For quality, writers may choose a clearer word.

← Dictionary

cheaply

/ˈtʃiːp.li/

IELTSAcademic

adverb

In a low-cost way, or for a small amount of money. It can also mean in a poor or low-quality way.

We flew there cheaply.
This chair was made cheaply.
You can eat cheaply in this area.

Adinary Nuance

Cheaply is more neutral when it means 'at a low cost'. But it can sound negative when it means 'in a poor-quality way'. It is different from inexpensively, which sounds more careful and positive. It is also different from affordably, which often suggests good value for money.

In other languages

Vietnamese: rẻ
Spanish: barato
Chinese: 便宜地
Japanese: 安く
Korean: 싸게

Etymology

Cheaply comes from the adjective cheap, from Old English cēap, meaning 'trade' or 'purchase'. The adverb form developed in Middle English.

Common phrases

buy cheaplyproduce cheaplysell cheaplylive cheaply

Synonyms

inexpensively economically low-cost

Related words

cheap affordable budget costly

Frequently asked questions

Is cheaply always a negative word?: No. It can simply mean 'at a low price'. But it can sound negative when quality is poor.
What is the difference between cheaply and inexpensively?: Cheaply is more common and can sound negative. Inexpensively is more neutral and polite.
Can I say 'I bought it cheaply'?: Yes. It means you paid a low price for it.
Is cheaply used in business writing?: Yes, but often only for price or cost. For quality, writers may choose a clearer word.