Spending: meaning, definitions and examples

General term for using money, often related to daily expenses or government budgets.

• Household spending has increased this year.
• The government's spending on healthcare is too high.

Used to describe the total amount of money spent on something, often in formal or fiscal contexts.

• The company's annual expenditure on marketing is substantial.
• We need to reduce our expenditure to balance the budget.

A specific sum of money spent on a particular project or item, often used in business or investment contexts.

• The initial outlay for the new equipment was quite high.
• Starting a new business requires significant outlay.

Typically used in formal or legal contexts to refer to the act of paying out money, especially from a fund.

• The disbursement of funds will occur at the end of the month.
• The charity received a large disbursement from an anonymous donor.

This word is often used when talking about money or resources being used, especially in a financial or budgeting context.

• Government spending on education has increased this year.
• Household spending on utilities is rising.

This word is often used to describe the action of going by or moving past something, or the act of someone dying. It can also refer to the completion of exams or tests.

• The passing of the seasons is marked by changes in the weather.
• The whole town mourned her passing.

This word is more formal and is used to describe the efficient use of resources, equipment, or time.

• The company has improved its resource utilization.
• Machine utilization rates have increased in the factory.

This word is appropriate when referring to someone having a job or the state of having a job.

• Her employment at the company has lasted over ten years.
• The government is focusing on increasing employment rates.

Used when talking about the allocation or expending of resources, typically money or time, for a particular purpose.

• My monthly spending on groceries has increased.
• We need to cut back on our spending to save money.

Used when indicating the movement of something from one place to another or the transfer of something, such as time or an item.

• Weeks can pass without hearing from him.
• Can you pass me the salt, please?

Used when referring to filling or taking up space, time, or one's attention.

• The children occupy themselves with video games.
• She will occupy the guest room during her visit.

Used in more formal or technical contexts when emphasizing the effective use or deployment of resources.

• We need to utilize all available resources to complete the project.
• This tool is designed to utilize solar energy efficiently.