noun / verb

cost

KAWST/kɔːst/

The resources required to obtain or accomplish something.

The loaf of bread costs the shopper five coins.

A shopper exchanges exactly five coins for a loaf, with a small functional 5 price tag beside the loaf.

Etymology

“With” and “stand” formed a Latin verb that could mean “stand at” a price. The same image survives when we say a price “stands at” a certain amount: that amount is the cost.

In context

Tim Fairley496:15

So the estimate is the calculation of the cost to do the work.

The COMPLETE Guide to Construction Project Management

More examples

The cost of repairs exceeds our budget.
Constant travel takes a toll, but she accepts that cost.
The mistake cost him a day's work.
We costed the project before approving the budget.

Forms

cost · costs · costed · costing

costly adjective — Requiring a large expense or sacrifice.

Similar words

price: Usually the amount charged, rather than all resources required.
expense: Emphasizes money spent or needed, especially for ongoing activities.
sacrifice: Emphasizes something valuable given up to achieve a goal.