at the expense of
idiom
: in a way that harms (something or someone)
Malls flourished at the expense of small stores downtown.
He argues that the tax cut will benefit the rich at the expense of the poor.
Examples of at the expense of in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Each time the Mets have called on an infield prospect, fans on social media have demanded playing time for the flashy newcomer, often at the expense of McNeil, no longer new or flashy.
—
Will Sammon, New York Times, 15 June 2025
Prioritizing forward defense and favoring the IRGC and other militias at the expense of its conventional armed forces has resulted in Iran enduring the most severe direct threat to its territory in over 40 years.
—Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Lisa exposes a corrupt congressman at the expense of personal glory.
—Alan Siegel, The Atlantic, 11 June 2025
The city responded to an increase in homeless deaths by intensifying encampment sweeps and adding emergency shelter at the expense of permanent housing.
—K. Rambo, ProPublica, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for at the expense of
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Will Sammon, New York Times, 15 June 2025
Prioritizing forward defense and favoring the IRGC and other militias at the expense of its conventional armed forces has resulted in Iran enduring the most severe direct threat to its territory in over 40 years.
—Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Lisa exposes a corrupt congressman at the expense of personal glory.
—Alan Siegel, The Atlantic, 11 June 2025
The city responded to an increase in homeless deaths by intensifying encampment sweeps and adding emergency shelter at the expense of permanent housing.
—K. Rambo, ProPublica, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for at the expense of
Cite this Entry
“At the expense of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20the%20expense%20of. Accessed 22 Jun. 2025.
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