Meaning & Definition of word "Expense"

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    Expense

    /ɪkˈspɛns/

    noun:

    • 1. a cost or expenditure that reduces resources, typically money.
      • Example: The company reported a significant increase in expenses this quarter.
    • 2. the amount of money spent on something.
      • Example: Travel expenses can add up quickly on business trips.
    • 3. a disadvantage incurred in the course of an activity.
      • Example: She achieved her goals, but at the expense of her health.

    Etymology

    Middle English: from Old French 'espense', from Latin 'expensum' (thing spent), from 'expens-', the stem of 'expendere'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    at someone's expense:

    to the detriment or disadvantage of someone

    business expense:

    cost incurred in the course of running a business

    educational expense:

    money spent on education-related items or services

    Related Words

    budget:

    An estimate of income and expenditure for a set period of time.

    revenue:

    Income received from normal business activities, usually from the sale of goods and services.

    accounting:

    The action or process of keeping financial accounts.

    Slang Meanings of expense

    Meaning: burning cash

    Example Sentence: My trip to Hawaii was a total burning cash moment.

    Meaning: throwing money down the drain

    Example Sentence: Buying that extra insurance felt like throwing money down the drain.