cost

¹cost

noun \ˈkȯst\

Definition of COST

1

a : the amount or equivalent paid or charged for something : price b : the outlay or expenditure (as of effort or sacrifice) made to achieve an object

2

: loss or penalty incurred especially in gaining something

3

plural : expenses incurred in litigation; especially : those given by the law or the court to the prevailing party against the losing party

— cost·less \-ləs\ adjective

— cost·less·ly adverb

— at all costs

: regardless of the cost or consequences <was determined to win at all costs>

— at cost

: for the price of production <buys clothes at cost directly from the manufacturer>

Examples of COST

1. She attends college at a cost of $15,000 a year.
2. The average cost of raising a family has increased dramatically.
3. We offer services at a fraction of the cost of other companies.
4. What's the difference in cost?
5. They believe that everyone should have access to adequate medical care, regardless of cost.
6. The cost of doing business in this area is high.
7. We need better cost control.
8. Winning the war, he believes, was worth the cost in lives.
9. What are the costs and benefits of the new law?

First Known Use of COST

13th century

Related to COST

Synonyms: charge, expense, disbursement, expenditure, outgo, outlay

Related Words: overhead; outflow; pocket money, spending money; price, rate, tab, tariff, toll

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Economics Terms

actuary, compound interest, globalization, indemnity, portfolio, rentier, stagflation, usurer