at the expense of
idiom
: in a way that harms (something or someone)
Malls flourished at the expense of small stores downtown.
He argues that the tax cut will benefit the rich at the expense of the poor.
Examples of at the expense of in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But rush to a conclusion at the expense of Japan’s economy?
—
William Pesek, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Many have also accused the university of capitulating to the Trump administration’s demands — including placing its Middle East studies department under new leadership — at the expense of academic freedom and protecting foreign students.
—Jake Offenhartz, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025
Democrats have slammed the bill as a giveaway to the wealthy at the expense of people who benefit from social safety net programs like Medicaid and SNAP.
—Riley Beggin, USA Today, 23 May 2025
Quarterback Brett Gabbert was signed at the expense of linebacker William Bradley-King, who was subsequently cut, according to the Dolphins.
—C. Isaiah Smalls Ii, Miami Herald, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for at the expense of
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William Pesek, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Many have also accused the university of capitulating to the Trump administration’s demands — including placing its Middle East studies department under new leadership — at the expense of academic freedom and protecting foreign students.
—Jake Offenhartz, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025
Democrats have slammed the bill as a giveaway to the wealthy at the expense of people who benefit from social safety net programs like Medicaid and SNAP.
—Riley Beggin, USA Today, 23 May 2025
Quarterback Brett Gabbert was signed at the expense of linebacker William Bradley-King, who was subsequently cut, according to the Dolphins.
—C. Isaiah Smalls Ii, Miami Herald, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for at the expense of
Cite this Entry
“At the expense of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20the%20expense%20of. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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