# prepaid

/pɹiˈpeɪd/ (US) · /pɹɪpˈeɪd/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/prepaid
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

paid for in advance, before you actually use the service or get the item.

For teachers: relating to a service or item for which payment is made in advance of its use or receipt. Often used to describe telecommunications or shipping services.

## Examples

- I have a prepaid phone card for my trip.
- The courier service requires a prepaid label to be attached to the package before they will collect it from the office.
- While contract plans offer lower per-minute rates, many users prefer prepaid options to maintain strict control over their monthly expenditures and avoid unexpected roaming charges.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I have a phone prepaid" but "I have a prepaid phone" — As an adjective, it must precede the noun it modifies rather than following it.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun; often contrasted with 'postpaid' or 'contract-based' services.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.