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
But that does come ultimately at the expense of your energy.
—
Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 24 Dec. 2025
That doesn’t mean that giving is always beneficial or that people should give at the expense of their own needs.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 21 Dec. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for at the expense of
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Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 24 Dec. 2025
That doesn’t mean that giving is always beneficial or that people should give at the expense of their own needs.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 21 Dec. 2025
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
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 29 Dec. 2025.
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