cost-benefit

[ kawst-ben-uh-fit, kost- ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or based on a cost-effective analysis.

cost-benefit

adjective

1. denoting or relating to a method of assessing a project that takes into account its costs and its benefits to society as well as the revenue it generates

   a cost-benefit analysis

   the project was assessed on a cost-benefit basis

Word History and Origins

Origin of cost-benefit¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Other supporters cited a recent cost-benefit analysis by the state Department of Water Resources, which concluded that building the tunnel would deliver water at lower cost than investments in seawater desalination, wastewater recycling or stormwater capture.

From Los Angeles Times

All of those categories can reasonably be imagined as “persuadable,” though the cost-benefit ratio involved in efforts to reach them and get them to the polls could be prohibitive.

From Salon

“It enabled concertgoers to come to the races earlier, at the regular low track admission price, but then have to pay a much higher admission to come to the concert alone. To any regular racing fan attending those days, it was a win-win — large numbers of new fans being introduced to the races, with the attendant buzz in the crowd. The after-race concerts did not disturb any racing activities. This is the very definition of successful market development, provided the concert cost-benefit analysis indicated break-even or better.”

From Los Angeles Times

The state recently released a cost-benefit analysis that is intended to provide information for local water agencies to consider.

From Los Angeles Times

When the state’s cost-benefit analysis was released last month, Hagekhalil said: “The questions are, how can this project be implemented, what kind of assurances can we have in the resilience it provides to the Delta and our water supply future, and at what price?”

From Los Angeles Times