Cost — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈkȯst/

Meaning & Definition of Cost

Cost (noun)

  1. the amount or equivalent paid or charged for something, price
  2. the outlay or expenditure (as of effort or sacrifice) made to achieve an object
  3. loss or penalty incurred especially in gaining something

Cost (verb)

  1. to require expenditure or payment
  2. to require effort, suffering, or loss
  3. to have a price of

Cost (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a payment made in the course of achieving a result

    "the newlyweds spared no cost in building the kitchen of their dreams"

    similar: charge, disbursement, expenditure, expense, outgo, outlay
    related: overhead, outflow, pocket money, spending money, price, rate, tab, tariff, toll

  2. the amount of money that is demanded as payment for something

    "we can't afford the cost of a house just yet, so we're renting an apartment"

    similar: ante, charge, damage, fee, figure, freight, price, price tag
    related: fair market value, market value, valuation, value, asking price, list price, sticker price, price point, rate, tariff, unit price, carrying charge, overcharge, service charge, surcharge, deduction, discount, markdown, reduction, sale, deposit, down payment, account, bill, check, invoice, tab

  3. the loss or penalty involved in achieving a goal

    "they won the war, but at a terrible cost in lives"

    similar: price
    related: expense, toll, damages, forfeit, forfeiture, mulct, sacrifice, ante, risk

Cost (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to have a price of

    "the raffle tickets cost a dollar each"

    similar: bring, fetch, go (for), run, sell (for)
    related: list (for), amount (to), come (to), total, command, exact, ask, demand

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Cost

The most common words with a similar meaning to Cost:

charge, disbursement, expenditure, expense, outgo, outlay, ante, damage, fee, figure, freight, price, price tag, bring, fetch, go (for), run, sell (for)

Related Words for Cost

overhead, outflow, pocket money, spending money, rate, tab, tariff, toll, fair market value, market value, valuation, value, asking price, list price, sticker price, price point, unit price, carrying charge, overcharge, service charge, surcharge, deduction, discount, markdown, reduction, sale, deposit, down payment, account, bill

Word Forms of Cost

Inflections: costing

Derived words: costless (adjective), costlessly (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Cost

Middle English, from Anglo-French custer, couster, from Latin constare to stand firm, cost constant

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Cost

Words & Phrases Containing Cost

cost accountant, cost accounting, cost-benefit, cost-effective, cost-efficient, cost of living, cost-of-living index, cost-plus

Frequently Asked Questions about Cost

What does "Cost" mean?

"Cost" means the amount or equivalent paid or charged for something, price. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: the amount or equivalent paid or charged for something, price. It has 4 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Cost"?

Other words for "Cost" include charge, disbursement, expenditure, expense, outgo, outlay, ante and damage. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Cost" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Cost"?

There are 64 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Cost". Common alternatives include charge, disbursement, expenditure, expense, outgo, outlay, ante, damage, fee and figure.

How do you use "Cost" in a sentence?

Examples of "Cost" in a sentence: "the newlyweds spared no cost in building the kitchen of their dreams"; "we can't afford the cost of a house just yet, so we're renting an apartment"; "they won the war, but at a terrible cost in lives".

Is "Cost" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Cost" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Cost" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A1-level word, "Cost" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.

How do you pronounce "Cost"?

"Cost" is pronounced /ˈkȯst/.

What is the origin of the word "Cost"?

"Cost" comes from Middle English, from Anglo-French custer, couster, from Latin constare to stand firm, cost constant. First known use: 14th century.