American English
/kʰɔst̚/
One syllable.
The amount of money needed to buy, make, or do something.
“Cost” is commonly pronounced /kɔst/. In some American English varieties, especially where “cot” and “caught” sound alike, you may also hear /kɑst/.
The amount of money needed to buy, make, or do something.
The total cost of the trip was $900.
Please check the cost before you order.
high cost · total cost · living costs · reduce costs
the cost of [something] + is + [amount]
the cost of [something] + went up/down
To have a particular price or require a particular amount of money.
These shoes cost $80.
How much does delivery cost?
cost a lot · cost too much · cost less · cost $50
[something] + costs + [amount]
[something] + costs + [someone] + [amount]
To make someone lose something valuable, such as time, sleep, or an opportunity.
The long delay cost us two hours.
One careless mistake cost him his job.
cost someone time · cost someone a job · cost lives · cost dearly
[something] + costs + [someone] + [something valuable]
A loss or sacrifice caused by an action or decision.
Her career came at the cost of family time.
The plan may save money, but it has a human cost.
human cost · personal cost · come at a cost
[something] + comes at the cost of + [something]
at the cost of + [something]
The money needed for basic daily expenses in a place.
The cost of living is high in this city.
No matter what problems or sacrifices are necessary.
We must protect the children at any cost.
To be extremely expensive.
That small apartment costs an arm and a leg.
For the usual meaning, the past and past participle are cost, not costed.