cheap out: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, colloquial; slightly negative/conversational tone.
Quick answer
What does “cheap out” mean?
To choose an inferior, often cheaper, alternative in order to save money, especially when this compromises quality or reliability.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To choose an inferior, often cheaper, alternative in order to save money, especially when this compromises quality or reliability.
To act in a stingy or ungenerous manner; to prioritize cost savings over all other considerations, including ethics, durability, or respect.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in American English. British English might use 'skimp on' or 'cut corners' with similar meaning, though 'cheap out' is understood.
Connotations
Equally negative in both dialects. Suggests foolish or regrettable parsimony.
Frequency
High frequency in AmE informal speech; moderate and increasing in BrE.
Grammar
How to Use “cheap out” in a Sentence
[Subject] cheaps out (on [Object])[Subject] is cheaping out[Subject] cheaped outVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cheap out” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Don't cheap out on the roof tiles; you'll regret it when it rains.
- He always cheaps out when it's his turn to buy a round.
American English
- They cheaped out on the brakes for the car, and now it's unsafe.
- If you cheap out on hiring a good lawyer, it could cost you more later.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Informal critique of procurement or investment decisions. 'The competitor cheaped out on customer service and lost market share.'
Academic
Rare. Might appear in informal critiques of research methods or materials.
Everyday
Very common. Discussing purchases, services, home repairs, gifts. 'They cheaped out on the wedding buffet.'
Technical
Not used in formal technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cheap out”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cheap out”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cheap out”
- Using 'cheap' as a verb in this sense without 'out' (e.g., 'They cheaped on the materials' - incorrect).
- Confusing with 'chicken out' (to lose courage).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal and colloquial. Use 'skimp on' or 'economize on' for more neutral registers.
Not standard. The phrasal verb is not commonly used attributively. Say 'cheaper, inferior version' instead.
'Save money' is neutral. 'Cheap out' implies the saving was done unwisely, at the expense of something important like quality or safety.
Very rare and non-standard. The action is described as 'cheaping out'. For a noun, use 'cost-cutting' or 'skimping'.
To choose an inferior, often cheaper, alternative in order to save money, especially when this compromises quality or reliability.
Cheap out: in British English it is pronounced /tʃiːp aʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /tʃip aʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Penny wise and pound foolish (related concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: Choosing the CHEAP option, and thereby opting OUT of quality.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUALITY IS A SUBSTANCE YOU CAN OPT OUT OF. MONEY SAVING IS A FORCE THAT EXCLUDES.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary implication of 'cheaping out'?