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
Critics including Sacramento State students have at times characterized Wood as focused too closely on university athletics at the expense of academics, while Wood has repeatedly touted FBS promotion as a worthwhile investment.
—
Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 15 Feb. 2026
Texans will lose and large corporations will profit at the expense of Texans.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
The Jazz have prioritized player development with younger players on their roster at the expense of chasing wins.
—Mark Anderson, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
It’s not meant to smuggle in unrelated provisions that expand the power of leadership at the expense of our members.
—Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 11 Feb. 2026
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.
Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 15 Feb. 2026
Texans will lose and large corporations will profit at the expense of Texans.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
The Jazz have prioritized player development with younger players on their roster at the expense of chasing wins.
—Mark Anderson, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
It’s not meant to smuggle in unrelated provisions that expand the power of leadership at the expense of our members.
—Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 11 Feb. 2026
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 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
