These words describe things which bear, bring or involve low prices, or comparatively small amounts of money. That which is inexpensive costs little, but the word suggests that the product is of acceptable or even of good quality, and is not being misrepresented to the purchaser: inexpensive paperback books; an inexpensive raincoat one may carry folded up in one’s handbag.

Low-priced is the most general term. It carries little connotation of true value or quality. When you say that something is low-priced you simply mean that it costs a small amount of money either in an absolute or a relative sense.

• Wherever you may be, a packet of sewing needles is low-priced ; Compact cars are low-priced as compared with cars of standard size.

In one of its uses cheap has a derogatory meaning pointing to fraud, which low-priced and inexpensive do not have. The term "cheap labour" always strongly hints that exploitation of worker too backward or too deprived to protect their own interests. Cheap is applied to inferior, shoddy goods which to the inexperienced person resemble those of better quality and cost much more than they are worth: cheap , flashy furniture sold to the poor on hire purchase; cheap fur coats made of dyed rabbit skins. Cheap is also used to describe something that is very inexpensive or low-priced because it is plentiful, easy to produce, and useful: Linseed is a cheap but excellent source of protein for stock food. In the sense of costing less in proportion to its usual value or price, cheap is preferable to either low-priced or inexpensive : When the market is glutted vegetables are cheap .

In terms of money modest means moderate or not excessive, but it also implies that the amount of money in question is more or less adequate and proper: to ask a modest price for a second-hand television set; to earn a modest living as a part-time typist.