Expense

/ɪkˈspɛns/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a cost or expenditure that reduces resources, typically money.

The company reported a significant increase in expenses this quarter.

the amount of money spent on something.

Travel expenses can add up quickly on business trips.

a disadvantage incurred in the course of an activity.

She achieved her goals, but at the expense of her health.

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

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

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.

burning cash

My trip to Hawaii was a total burning cash moment.

throwing money down the drain

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