B2noun2K

Expense

UK /["/ɪkˈspens/"]/US /["/ɪkˈspens/"]/

Definition

the money that you spend on something

In simple words: Money that you spend on something.

Examples

The expense of traveling abroad can add up quickly if you’re not careful.
Food is a significant expense in our monthly budget.
She incurred a large expense when she had to repair her car.
They decided to cut down on luxury expenses to save money.
The company reported a significant decrease in marketing expenses this quarter.

Usage notes

Use 'expense' in both personal and business contexts. It's appropriate when discussing costs, budgeting, or financial reports. Avoid using it in very casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

expense + object

Memory hint

Think of 'spend' in 'expense' — both relate to money going out.

Collocations

considerable
enormous
great
go to
incur
involve
rise
at somebody’s/something’s expense
at… expense
at taxpayer expense
at taxpayers’ expense
at the taxpayer’s expense
big
considerable
major
high
low
allowable
incur
cover
defray
arise from something
arise out of something
increase
expense account
expenses claim
expense report
on expenses
all expenses paid
spare no expense
high
low
allowable
incur
cover
defray
arise from something
arise out of something
increase
expense account
expenses claim
expense report
on expenses
all expenses paid
spare no expense

Synonyms

cost
outlay
expenditure
charge
disbursement

Antonyms

income
profit

Common mistakes

Confused with 'expanse', which means a wide area.
Using 'expenses' as a singular noun.
Mispronouncing it as 'ex-pense' instead of 'ik-spens'.