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expenditure

ik-SPEN-dih-cher /ɪkˈspɛndɪtʃər/

nounB2GRETOEFLIELTS

formalgeneral

The action of spending or using money, time, or resources; an amount of money spent.

Often refers to significant or planned spending, especially by governments or large organizations. Can also refer to the consumption of non-monetary resources like energy or effort.

The story behind the word. The word 'expenditure' comes from the Latin verb 'expendere,' meaning 'to weigh out, to pay out, to spend.' It's formed from 'ex-' (out) and 'pendere' (to hang, to weigh). In ancient times, money was often weighed, not counted. The English word emerged in the 17th century, carrying the sense of an outlay of money or resources.

Word relationships

spending: More general and informal.
outlay: Often refers to an initial investment or a large sum spent.
disbursement: Formal term for the payment of money from a fund.

income: Money received, especially on a regular basis.
revenue: Income, especially when of a company or organization and of a substantial nature.
savings: Money one has saved, especially through a bank or official scheme.

Commonly confused with

expense: 'Expense' often refers to a single cost or the cost of something, while 'expenditure' is the act of spending or the total amount spent over a period.

Word family

expend (verb): To spend or use up (resources such as money or time).

Collocations

public expenditure
defense expenditure
capital expenditure
government expenditure
reduce expenditure

Example sentences

"The government's expenditure on defense has increased significantly over the past decade, raising questions about budget priorities." Government budget discussions.
"Completing the project on time required a considerable expenditure of both financial resources and human effort." Project management.

Memory hook

Think of 'spending' money to 'expend' your budget. The 'ex' reminds you of 'exit' or 'out' – money going out. Spending money

When not to use

For small, casual spending, 'expense' or 'cost' might be more appropriate. 'Expenditure' implies a more formal or substantial outlay.

Fun facts

The root 'pendere' also gives us words like 'depend,' 'suspend,' and 'pendant,' all related to hanging or weighing.