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

The county’s contractual structure led to additional expenditures. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025

Deferring or delaying such expenditures in an effort to save money may adversely impact patient care. —Robert Glatter and Peter Papadakos, Time, 8 Apr. 2025

When illness reduces physical activity, prolonged bed rest can lead to muscle atrophy (muscle loss), decreasing daily calorie expenditure. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 7 Apr. 2025

First, due to its ability to avoid costlier nursing home expenditures, the program saves the federal and state governments money while allowing seniors to live at home. —Wayne Winegarden, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 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