expense: meaning and definitions

Something spent to attain a goal or accomplish a purpose: an expense of time and energy on the project.

A loss for the sake of something gained; a sacrifice: achieved speed at the expense of accuracy.

An expenditure of money; a cost: an improvement that was well worth the expense; a trip with all expenses paid.

Charges incurred by an employee in the performance of work: was reimbursed for her travel expenses.

Informal Money allotted for payment of such charges.

Something requiring the expenditure of money: Redecorating the house will be a considerable expense.

Archaic The act of expending.

To charge with expenses.

To write off as an expense.

at (one's) expense To one's detriment or chagrin: telling jokes at my expense.