cost-benefit

adjective

cost-ben·​e·​fit ˈkȯs(t)-ˈbe-nə-ˌfit 

: of, relating to, or being economic analysis that assigns a numerical value to the cost-effectiveness of an operation, procedure, or program

Examples of cost-benefit in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The costs from climate change will be so extortionate and the economic value losses so devastating that, in the final wash of the cost-benefit analysis, the benefits of mitigation outweigh the costs. — Stephanie Walton, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2026

The county executive has issued a freeze on new data center development until the state can finish a cost-benefit analysis on their impact. — Scott Neuman, NPR, 21 Sep. 2026

Rules applying to businesses have to provide a net social good, as proven through rigorous cost-benefit analysis. — Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026

While not a full cost-benefit analysis, these findings suggest massive corporate investments may foster local innovation beyond direct employment, providing policymakers a broader view of their value. — Nathan Goldman, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cost-benefit

• benefit