No-cost
What it means
Available without requiring payment.
Reach for it when describing something supplied without a price to its recipient
The center offers no-cost tutoring to every local teenager.
Words to choose between 6
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| professional |
|
| formal | |
| literary |
-
everyday
Fits when the reader simply pays no price
Careful Free can also imply unrestricted use.
-
professional
free of charge
Fits when unambiguous payment language is needed
Careful The phrase says nothing about later obligations.
-
professional
subsidized
Fits when another party covers some or all cost
Careful Subsidized services may still require payment.
-
formal
complimentary
Fits when a business provides something as a courtesy
Careful Complimentary often accompanies a paid relationship.
-
formal
pro bono
Fits when professional services are donated for public benefit
Careful Pro bono applies to services, not ordinary goods.
-
literary
Fits when a compact formal borrowing suits the voice
Careful Gratis can feel legalistic or showy.
Opposites 3
- fee-based
- paid
- chargeable
Common phrases 3
-
no-cost option
The clinic added a no-cost option for uninsured patients.
-
no-cost training
No-cost training helped volunteers learn the new radio system.
-
available at no cost
The repair guide is available at no cost to every tenant.
Usage notes
Keep in mind
No-cost identifies the recipient's price, not the absence of funding, labor, data use, or future charges.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Updated