"at the cost of" vs "at the expense of"

Question

"at the cost of" vs "at the expense 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

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.'

Examples:

The project was completed at the cost of quality.
She succeeded at the cost of her personal life.
The company expanded at the cost of employee satisfaction.
He achieved his dream at the cost of his relationships.
The decision was made at the cost of public opinion.

Alternatives:

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

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.

Alternatives:

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

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

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.

"at the cost of" vs "at the expense of"

at the cost of

at the expense of

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