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

While shipment volumes on US-China e-commerce routes have decreased by 65 percent, over half of small enterprises report greater expenditures as a result of tariffs. —Vitalii Savryha, Sourcing Journal, 21 Oct. 2025

That’s likely to fuel further capital expenditure in tech, particularly as dealmaking in the AI sector remains fierce. —Jim Edwards, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025

The company also issued capital expenditures guidance of around $525 million for the year, less than a prior forecast of $600 million. —Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2025

Another section of the statement shows the city funds and expenditures the taxes being paid will be distributed to. —Austin Hornbostel, Nashville Tennessean, 20 Oct. 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