cost-benefit

adjective

cost-ben·​e·​fit ˈkȯs(t)-ˈbe-nə-ˌfit How to pronounce cost-benefit (audio)
: 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
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The Iran war is shifting that cost-benefit analysis, while Gulf oil producers — now highly wary of the threat posed by the Islamic Republic and fearful of being beholden to forces beyond their control in the future — are finally looking beyond the Strait of Hormuz for exports. Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2026 The modern world forces us to waste time doing cost-benefit analyses of various inconveniences. Caroline Mimbs Nyce, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026 As a result, Aaronson said utilities’ cost-benefit analysis of burying lines is changing. Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 10 Apr. 2026 Wouldn’t a cost-benefit analysis done by the city and SANDAG make sense here in these very tight budget days? U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cost-benefit

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cost-benefit was in 1942

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Cite this Entry

“Cost-benefit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cost-benefit. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.

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