cost-benefit

adjective

cost-ben·​e·​fit ˈkȯs(t)-ˈbe-nə-ˌfit How to pronounce cost-benefit (audio)
: of, relating to, or being economic analysis that assigns a numerical value to the cost-effectiveness of an operation, procedure, or program

Examples of cost-benefit in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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According to the team, this suggests that the animals are aware of their surroundings and are making cost-benefit decisions regarding the most energy-efficient paths to take. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 26 Mar. 2025 This cost-benefit calculus would not be favorable for the United States, especially in the early days of a war with China when the country’s air defense network is fully operating. Stacie L. Pettyjohn, Foreign Affairs, 10 Mar. 2025 Part of this process is thinking carefully about the cost-benefit trade-offs of expressing your anger. Laura Rees, The Conversation, 6 Mar. 2025 Such a cost-benefit analysis of whether to accept $9.9 million in 2025-26 dead money plus the cost of a replacement shooter could come down to what is seen from Robinson over the balance of the schedule. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cost-benefit

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cost-benefit was in 1942

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Cite this Entry

“Cost-benefit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cost-benefit. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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