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.

Etymology

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

Common Phrases and Expressions

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.

Related Words

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.

Slang Meanings

Big bucks
That car will cost big bucks.
Costly
It was a costly mistake.