expenditure
What does "expenditure" mean?
Expenditure refers to the act of spending funds or the total amount of money paid out by an individual, organization, or government. Think of it as the physical outflow of resources—it carries a slightly heavier, more deliberate weight than simple "spending," often implying a planned allocation or a significant investment. In professional or academic contexts, you will frequently see this used in financial reports or policy discussions. It is rarely used in casual, everyday conversation, where people would likely prefer the word "spending" or "cost." Common collocations include "public expenditure," "capital expenditure," and "reduce expenditure."
"expenditure" in conversation
Corporate Budget Meeting
We need to review the quarterly expenditure report before the board meeting.
We need to review the quarterly expenditure report before the board meeting.
I’ve highlighted the areas where our costs have exceeded our projections.
I’ve highlighted the areas where our costs have exceeded our projections.
Used here to refer specifically to formal financial accounting.
Discussing Household Budget
Our expenditure on groceries has gone up significantly this month.
Our expenditure on groceries has gone up significantly this month.
I know, we really need to start tracking our daily spending better.
I know, we really need to start tracking our daily spending better.
Shows how 'expenditure' sounds a bit stiff in casual talk, prompting a shift back to 'spending'.
"expenditure" in a sentence
The company reduced its expenditure on office supplies.
The company reduced its expenditure on office supplies.
Government expenditure on public health has increased over the last decade.
Government expenditure on public health has increased over the last decade.
The project was abandoned due to the sheer magnitude of the projected capital expenditure.
The project was abandoned due to the sheer magnitude of the projected capital expenditure.
