indirect cost

noun

: a cost that is not identifiable with a specific product, function, or activity

Examples of indirect cost in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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At the same time, the Trump administration is trying to cap the rate at which the NIH pays for the indirect costs of doing medical research at 15%, which is far lower than the rate that has been paid at many institutions. Rob Stein, NPR, 22 Feb. 2025 Under its new policy, the NIH would cap indirect costs for all institutions at 15%. Alice Park, TIME, 11 Feb. 2025 The indirect cost rate is what universities and institutions use to cover operating expenses that support the research grants. John Frank, Axios, 11 Feb. 2025 Of that money, about $9 billion went to indirect costs. Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for indirect cost

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of indirect cost was circa 1909

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Cite this Entry

“Indirect cost.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indirect%20cost. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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