Cost

/kɔst/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The amount of money required to purchase something.

The cost of the new car was more than I had budgeted.

The effort, loss, or sacrifice necessary to achieve or obtain something.

She completed the project at the cost of her health.

An amount paid for goods or services.

The cost of admission to the concert was $50.

verb

To require a payment of money in exchange for something.

This new software will cost you around $200.

To be of a certain price or expense.

How much does this dress cost?

To result in a specified loss or damage.

The mistake cost him his job.

Middle English cost, from Latin constare, meaning ‘to stand firm’ or ‘to be established’.

at any cost

regardless of the effort or expense involved.

cost an arm and a leg

to be very expensive.

cost of living

the average cost of basic necessities, such as housing and food.

pricing

The process of determining the value of something.

expense

The cost incurred in the process of doing something.

valuation

The determination of something's worth.

Big bucks

That car will cost big bucks.

Costly

It was a costly mistake.