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

Your income should exceed your expenditures.

Synonyms of expenditure

• 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

Ellison has taken an opposing view from his predecessors who confronted crumbling industry economics by cutting expenditures to boost their corporate bottom lines. — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026

Additional concerns include technological obsolescence, refinancing risk, construction delays, and the need for continuing capital expenditure. — Kevin Williams, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026

The arrival of Netflix in many regions, including South Korea and areas of Africa, has been a watershed moment that helped turbocharge local production infrastructure, jobs and expenditures. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026

O’Hare’s expenditures were $298,000, whereas Simmons’ were $75,000. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

probably from Medieval Latin expenditus, variant past participle of Latin expendere "to weigh, pay out, expend" + -ure

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