at the expense of vs at the cost of

Both "at the expense of" and "at the cost of" are correct phrases in English. They are often used interchangeably to indicate that something is achieved or gained by sacrificing something else. The choice between the two depends on personal preference or the specific context in which they are used.

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 1685 views

at the expense of

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that something is achieved or gained by sacrificing something else.

This phrase is used to show that one thing is gained or achieved by sacrificing or harming another thing. It is often used in contexts where there is a trade-off or negative consequence involved.

Examples:

He succeeded at the expense of his personal life.
The company grew rapidly, but at the expense of quality.
She achieved her goals, but at the expense of her health.
The project was completed at the expense of the team's morale.
The politician gained popularity at the expense of his integrity.

Show examples from the web [+]

Congratulations, you have been given a luxury penthouse at the expense of the British taxpayer.
All these developments are taking place at the expense of Cypriot consumers and are clearly illegal.
She became your focus at the expense of your own ambition.
But not at the expense of our cause.
I don't want to be stylish at the expense of comfort.
But not at the expense of your health.
However, this change in behaviour should not be at the expense of consumer protection.
A small elite lives in great luxury at the expense of the poor population.
Many companies are thus reorganising at the expense of employees and the state.
That is what is also called meeting each other halfway at the expense of fisheries.
The Commission wants to increase its power at the expense of political decision-makers.
There can be no upfront concessions at the expense of human rights.
These enterprises make enormous profits at the expense of individual consumers and producers.
This agency will of course be set up at the expense of European taxpayers.
It appears that the Commission wishes to achieve an increase in efficiency mainly at the expense of qualified workers.
Haste comes at the expense of quality.
The EU's policy on GMOs favours multinationals at the expense of consumers.
Such systematic restriction of multilingualism benefits entrepreneurs at the expense of consumers.
But you are defending this girl at the expense of the team.
Enhanced judicial cooperation must not be at the expense of the rights of the defendant.

Alternatives:

at the cost of
by sacrificing
by harming
through the sacrifice of
by giving up

at the cost of

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that something is achieved or gained by sacrificing something else.

This phrase is used in a similar way to 'at the expense of,' indicating that something is achieved or gained by sacrificing or harming something else. It can be used interchangeably with 'at the expense of.'