1 B2 idiomatic informal
To choose the cheapest available option when spending less is seen as inappropriate, stingy, or disappointing.
"Don't cheap out on the birthday cake — it's her thirtieth!"
cheap out
B2 informal intransitive
To choose a cheap or low-quality option to save money, especially when something better was expected.
In plain English
To spend less money than you should, ending up with something worse than people expected.
What does "cheap out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To reduce quality or investment in something to save money, resulting in an inferior product or experience.
"The developers clearly cheaped out on the game's graphics engine."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To opt out of spending properly — to exit the expected standard by going cheap.
Actually means
To spend less money than you should, ending up with something worse than people expected.
Usage tip
Primarily American English but spreading globally. Usually carries a negative connotation — the person has made a choice that disappoints others or compromises quality for the sake of saving money. Often followed by 'on' ('cheap out on something').
Words that pair with "cheap out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
gift materials ingredients equipment wedding meal
How to conjugate "cheap out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
cheap out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
cheaps out
he/she/it
Past simple
cheaped out
yesterday
Past participle
cheaped out
have + pp
-ing form
cheaping out
continuous
Hear "cheap out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "cheap out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "cheap out"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
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