the amount of money that is needed to buy, do, or make something, an amount that has to be paid or spent to buy or obtain something

at all costs, count the cost, pay the cost

Formal and Informal Expressions of costs

In different contexts, you can replace 'costs' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'price, expense, charge' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'bucks, dough, moolah' is a commonplace synonym.

costs: Explore its Definition & Usage

costs Definition

1the amount of money that is needed to buy, do, or make something
2an amount that has to be paid or spent to buy or obtain something

Using costs: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "costs" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The costs of living in this city are very high.
Example
The cost of the car was $20,000.
Example
We need to reduce our costs if we want to stay in business.
Example
The company is trying to cut costs by reducing staff.

costs Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for costs

Phrases with costs

at all costs
regardless of the expense or effort involved
Example
He was determined to win at all costs.
count the cost
consider the negative consequences of an action or decision
Example
Before you decide to quit your job, you should count the cost.
pay the cost
suffer the negative consequences of an action or decision
Example
He paid the cost for his reckless behavior.

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Summary: costs in Brief

The term 'costs' [kɒsts] refers to the amount of money required to purchase, produce, or perform a task. It can also refer to the amount that must be paid to obtain something. Examples include 'The cost of the car was $20,000.' and 'The company is trying to cut costs by reducing staff.' Phrases like 'at all costs' and 'count the cost' emphasize the importance of considering the negative consequences of an action or decision.