at the expense of
idiom
: in a way that harms (something or someone)
Malls flourished at the expense of small stores downtown.
He argues that the tax cut will benefit the rich at the expense of the poor.
Examples of at the expense of in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The method appeals particularly to high-achieving people, executives, entrepreneurs, artists who have already become used to winning at the expense of their stealthy doubts, emotional pressure, or relationship difficulties.
—
William Jones, USA Today, 19 Dec. 2025
Directed by David Lipper, The Twelve Dates of Christmas follows Christina Walker (Hale), a successful shop owner who has devoted her energy to her career at the expense of her dating life.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 18 Dec. 2025
While twins obviously can be a significant productivity multiplier, companies will need to ensure that doesn’t happen at the expense of organizational culture.
—Kevin Oakes, Fortune, 17 Dec. 2025
Research shows that some Americans have been drawn to movements that promise purity, unity and order at the expense of their neighbors’ rights.
—Arlene Stein, The Conversation, 17 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for at the expense of
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
William Jones, USA Today, 19 Dec. 2025
Directed by David Lipper, The Twelve Dates of Christmas follows Christina Walker (Hale), a successful shop owner who has devoted her energy to her career at the expense of her dating life.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 18 Dec. 2025
While twins obviously can be a significant productivity multiplier, companies will need to ensure that doesn’t happen at the expense of organizational culture.
—Kevin Oakes, Fortune, 17 Dec. 2025
Research shows that some Americans have been drawn to movements that promise purity, unity and order at the expense of their neighbors’ rights.
—Arlene Stein, The Conversation, 17 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for at the expense of
Cite this Entry
“At the expense of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20the%20expense%20of. Accessed 21 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share