Expensable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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expensable

[ɪkˈspɛnsəbəl ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

business

Able to be charged or reimbursed as an expense.

Synonyms

billable, chargeable, reimbursable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
expensable	Suitable for when a cost can be recorded as an expense on a company's financial records. The business lunch was expensable and was added to the monthly report. Travel tickets are often expensable items for employees.
reimbursable	Used when an outlay of money can be repaid to the person or entity that paid originally. The cost of the conference is reimbursable. Travel expenses for the meeting are reimbursable.
chargeable	Relevant when a cost or fee can be charged to someone, either a client, customer, or employee, often implies responsibility for payment. Parking fees are chargeable to the visitors. Extra baggage fees are chargeable to the passenger.
billable	Used when a cost can be billed to a client or customer, often related to hours worked or services provided. The lawyer's time spent on the case is billable. Consultants report their billable hours weekly.

Examples of usage

These supplies are expensable because they are necessary for the project.
Travel expenses are expensable if they are related to business activities.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Business

In financial contexts, things deemed expensable can be deducted from taxable income, bringing potential savings.
Many companies have clear policies regarding what qualifies as expensable, impacting employee spending habits.
Understanding what is expensable helps in budget management and financial planning, promoting accountability.

Psychology

People often perceive expensable items as less significant than daily necessities, influencing spending behavior.
Cognitive biases can lead individuals to overlook expensable costs, affecting financial wellness.
The concept of expensability can create a mental division between needs and wants, impacting decision-making.

Society

Cultural views on what is considered expensable can vary significantly between different societies and communities.
This term underscores the impact of corporate culture on personal finance, as different organizations have different definitions.
In the gig economy, understanding which expenses are considered expensable can greatly affect freelancers and contractors.

Legal

When discussing legal contracts, knowing what is expensable can prevent misunderstandings about compensation.
Some professions have strict guidelines about what can be expensed, ensuring compliance with industry regulations.
Legal claims often hinge on the ability to prove that certain costs are indeed expensable expenses.

Origin of 'expensable'

Main points about word origin

The word originates from 'expense,' which comes from the Latin 'expensare,' meaning to weigh out or spend.
The suffix '-able' indicates the ability to do something, turning 'expense' into something that can be eligible for spending.
The structure reflects how language evolves, blending roots and suffixes to create new meanings.

The word 'expensable' is a modern term derived from the word 'expense', which has its roots in the Latin word 'expensum' meaning 'outlay'. The concept of expenses has been integral to business and finance for centuries, with the term gaining popularity in the context of reimbursement and billing in the corporate world.

See also: expense, expenses, expensive, inexpensiveness.