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

• charge
• cost
• disbursement
• expense
• outgo
• outlay

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

Subscribe Investors were reacting to the U.S. core personal consumption expenditures price index — the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation measure — which rose more than expected on Friday, according to an update released Friday. —Sawdah Bhaimiya,chloe Taylor, CNBC, 28 Mar. 2025

Personal consumption expenditures rose 0.4% last month, up from the 0.3% drop in January. —Courtenay Brown, Axios, 28 Mar. 2025

Integrating Big Decisions: Auto Loans on the Fly Large purchases exist on a continuum between minor expenditures like coffee and major life events like purchasing a home. —Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025

There is no appetite in the U.S. to live within our means — to raise the necessary taxes to pay our bills or reduce our enormous expenditures on social welfare and defense. —Jay Cost, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 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