total cost

/ˈtoʊtl̩ ˈkɒst/
noun phraseIntermediate💡 the complete amount spent
💰Finance
formal

the sum of all expenses incurred for a product, service, or project

Before signing the contract, we reviewed the total cost to ensure it was within budget.

This shows the phrase being used in a business context to refer to all financial obligations.

The total cost of ownership includes not just the purchase price but also maintenance and operational expenses.

This highlights the comprehensive nature of the term in financial planning.

💡

In business and finance, this phrase is often used to assess the full financial impact of a decision.

Collocations

total cost of ownershipthe long-term expenses associated with a product or assettotal cost analysisa detailed breakdown of all expenses in a financial assessment

Related Phrases

cost breakdownphrase
a detailed list of individual expenses
net costphrase
the final cost after deductions

💡Pro Tip

Business Context

In business, 'total cost' often includes direct and indirect expenses, such as labor, materials, and overhead.

Gold Rule

Accuracy in Financial Reports

Always ensure that 'total cost' includes all relevant expenses to avoid underestimating financial commitments.

📖Word Origin

Derived from the combination of 'total' (meaning 'complete') and 'cost' (meaning 'price or expense').

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is commonly used in financial, business, and economic contexts to refer to the sum of all expenses. It is often contrasted with partial or individual costs.

Word Breakdown

total
complete or entire
root
+
cost
price or expense
root
English Dictionary