cheapest

Cheapest is a relative adjective used to describe the option with the lowest price among a set of alternatives. It is the superlative form of cheap, but it does not imply other aspects such as quality, reliability, or suitability.

In consumer markets, "the cheapest" is used in price comparisons, shopping guides, and advertising. In procurement, organizations may seek the cheapest supplier that meets required standards, though they often consider total cost of ownership, risk, and long-term value rather than price alone.

Prices can be presented as unit prices, total price, or per-use costs. Consumers use price tracking, comparison websites, coupons, bulk buying, and timing to identify the cheapest option. Dynamic pricing, promotions, and discounts can affect what is cheapest at any given moment.

Choosing the cheapest option can involve trade-offs. It may lead to lower quality, shorter durability, higher maintenance costs, or poorer service. Hidden costs such as shipping, taxes, installation, or warranties must be included in the total cost. Legitimate cheapest choices require scrutiny of terms, reliability, and after-sales support.

See also: price, value for money, cost-benefit analysis, procurement, unit pricing.