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

Candidates are supposed to report expenditures for the disclosure periods in which they are incurred. —Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 16 Jan. 2025

Despite this, rising costs, including contractor inflation and sustaining capital expenditures, tempered profit margins. —Trefis Team, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025

Worldwide Exchange Pick: Digital Realty (DLR) Malcolm Ethridge of Capital Area Planning Group sees Digital Realty Trust outperforming the S & P 500 this year as big tech companies increase their capital expenditure spending. —Frank Holland, CNBC, 16 Jan. 2025

Canadian public expenditure of course spiked during the pandemic. —David Frum, The Atlantic, 15 Jan. 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