Standard Lemma guide

ten-cent

adj · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

adj

Meaning 1

two-bit (insignificant or worthless); cheap (both inexpensive and poorly made).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: dated, idiomatic, not-comparable, usually

Examples

  • Near-synonyms: poor man's; (present-day analogues) dollar-store, Wish.com, (UK) Poundland, pound-shop, Tesco Value, BTEC
  • Forget that frickin' ten-cent supplier. From now on, we'll buy only from trusted partners.
  • Enough of these ten-cent tools. From now on, we'll buy only the good stuff that doesn't break so easily.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: poor man's, dollar-store, Wish.com, Poundland, pound-shop, Tesco Value, BTEC

Antonyms: none provided

2

adj

Meaning 2

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see ten, cent: costing 10¢.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: dated, not-comparable, usually

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From a time when 10¢ was a commonly encountered price for cheap goods and services.