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

• expense
• cost

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

Execution Risk – The international rollout of streaming, careful content expenditure, and cost reductions must align seamlessly. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025

Operating margins are expected to expand 100 to 150 basis points by Fiscal 2028 in constant currency and capital expenditures are expected to equal 4 percent to 5 percent of the top line annually. —Evan Clark, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2025

The company reported more than $27 billion in capital expenditures in the first quarter alone. —Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2025

The Kremlin understands that conquering Ukraine could take many more years and require greater sacrifices and expenditures. —Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 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