Outlay: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is typically used in financial or business contexts to describe the initial spending necessary to start a project or purchase assets. It often has a formal tone.

• The initial outlay for starting the business was substantial
• The outlay required for new equipment will be covered by our budget

This formal term is often used in business, government, and academic settings to describe spending, especially when it involves detailed accounting or budgets.

• The government’s expenditure on healthcare has increased this year
• Our company needs to reduce its expenditure to remain profitable

Commonly used in everyday situations, this term describes any item or activity that requires spending money. It can refer to both personal and business finances.

• Travel expenses are covered by the company
• We need to cut unnecessary expenses to save money

This is a general term used in everyday language and can refer to the amount of money required to purchase something. It’s versatile and applies to various situations.

• The cost of the new phone is quite high
• What is the cost of attending this course?

This word is often associated with finance and business, specifically with spending money with the expectation of future financial returns or benefits.

• Real estate can be a good investment
• They made a significant investment in new technologies

Used mainly in financial or business contexts to refer to the amount of money spent on a particular project or purchase. It's often a one-time expense or a large investment.

• The initial outlay for the new office building was substantial.
• The outlay for the new equipment was higher than expected.

Applied in everyday situations to describe the act of using money to buy goods or services, or using time and energy. It's the most common and general term among the given words.

• She likes to spend her weekends traveling.
• He spent all his savings on a new car.

Applied in situations where resources, including money, are being distributed or assigned to different purposes or departments. Often used in formal or organizational settings.

• The manager decided to allocate more funds to the marketing department.
• Resources were allocated to various community projects.

Commonly used in more formal settings or documentation to describe the act of using up resources, especially money, energy, or effort, often for a specific purpose.

• She expended a lot of time and energy on this project.
• Significant funds were expended to renovate the old school.

Used when money is put into something with the expectation of achieving some benefit or profit in the future. Can refer to financial investments as well as time and effort.

• They decided to invest in renewable energy sources.
• He invested a lot of time in his education.