opportunity cost
noun
: the added cost of using resources (as for production or speculative investment) that is the difference between the actual value resulting from such use and that of an alternative (such as another use of the same resources or an investment of equal risk but greater return)
Examples of opportunity cost in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Even his own brother warned him about the opportunity cost of pursuing a venture on the side.
—
Shikhar Sachdev, thehustle.co, 21 Feb. 2025
In today's competitive landscape, the opportunity cost of inaction is higher than ever.
—B.d. Dalton, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
However, this perspective overlooks the significant opportunity costs of disengagement.
—Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
There is an opportunity cost associated with a team giving up the No. 1 overall pick in an NFL Draft.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for opportunity cost 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Shikhar Sachdev, thehustle.co, 21 Feb. 2025
In today's competitive landscape, the opportunity cost of inaction is higher than ever.
—B.d. Dalton, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
However, this perspective overlooks the significant opportunity costs of disengagement.
—Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
There is an opportunity cost associated with a team giving up the No. 1 overall pick in an NFL Draft.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for opportunity cost
Dictionary Entries Near opportunity cost
Cite this Entry
“Opportunity cost.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opportunity%20cost. Accessed 26 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share