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 requirements of global power projection necessarily spread U.S. defense expenditures far thinner. —Mitch McConnell, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2024

Boards must take on a long-term perspective when overseeing these capital expenditures, connecting AI investments with the organization’s strategic goals to maximize return on investment (ROI). —Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024

This adaptation is especially significant given the energetic limitations of the deep sea; by luring prey rather than actively hunting, the anglerfish minimizes energy expenditure—a critical advantage in a resource-scarce ecosystem. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024

In fiscal year 2023, the school's expenditures totaled $2.46 million, with $248,000 allocated for facility operations and maintenance. —Arlyssa D. Becenti, The Arizona Republic, 12 Dec. 2024

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