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

This reflected higher capital expenditure in the period, Dunelm said, chiefly due to acquisition activity. —Royston Wild, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025

There, voters in 2020 passed Ballot Measure 2, which includes disclosures from donors who give more than $2,000 to a candidate or organization that makes independent expenditures. —Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 9 Sep. 2025

Capital expenditures for the new fiscal year will be around $35 billion, representing 65% growth, Catz said on the earnings call. —Jordan Novet, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2025

Advancements in technology since then should allow a sequel to be brought on a more efficient budget expenditure. —Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 8 Sep. 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