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

• expense
• cost

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

Related – Google’s $1 Trillion Lawsuit Thirdly, Google’s substantial AI capital expenditures carry execution risks. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025

Jumping jacks are an underrated bodyweight exercise to increase your calorie expenditure. —Jakob Roze, Health, 14 July 2025

Core machinery orders by the domestic private sector, which exclude volatile items like ships and electric power, are regarded as a key gauge of capital expenditure and reflect business confidence in buying more machinery and equipment. —Amala Balakrishner, CNBC, 13 July 2025

The store could require a $50 million capital expenditure, employ between 175 and 225 full-time staffers, and spend $9 million annually on payroll. —Idaho Statesman, 11 July 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