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.

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

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.