expenditure

noun

ex·​pen·​di·​ture ik-ˈspen-di-chər 

-də-ˌchu̇r,

-də-ˌt(y)u̇r

1

: the act or process of expending

an expenditure of energy

2

: something expended : disbursement, expense

income should exceed expenditures

Synonyms

• charge
• cost
• disbursement
• expense
• outgo
• outlay

Examples of expenditure in a Sentence

an increase in military expenditures

an increase in military expenditure

vast expenditures of time and effort

The energy expenditure was significant.

the expenditure of funds for the new school

The project will require an expenditure of effort on everyone's part.

Recent Examples on the Web

However, the company’s high capital expenditures and widening losses remain key near-term concerns. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025

The town, just north of Indianapolis, won out thanks to its relatively affordable pricing, with the average monthly mortgage going for $2,610 and the average monthly expenditures reaching just $2,800. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2025

The tariff actions by themselves will be met first with a contraction in real incomes, which will translate into declining consumer expenditures, which represent nearly 70 percent of GDP. —Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025

Its expenditures are increasing while revenues have not kept up. —Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

irregular from expend

First Known Use

1769, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

expenditure

noun

ex·​pen·​di·​ture ik-ˈspen-di-chər 

-də-ˌchu̇(ə)r

1

: the act of spending (as money, time, or energy)

2

: something that is spent

Legal Definition

expenditure

noun

ex·​pen·​di·​ture ik-ˈspen-di-chər, -ˌchu̇r 

1

: the act or process of paying out

2

: something paid out see also capital expenditure