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cost overrun

American  

noun

  1. cost in excess of that originally estimated or budgeted, especially in a government contract.

    Additional funds had to be allocated to cover the cost overrun on the new fighter plane.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Mr. Trump is frustrated that his Administration’s criminal investigation into Mr. Powell over a cost overrun on a Fed building renovation is backfiring in a big way.

From The Wall Street Journal Apr. 15, 2026

Those two programs essentially act as cost overrun insurance, she argued, because they give developers like utilities financial cushions on their projects.

From Barron's Jan. 28, 2026

That’s why there are only three operating SMRs: one in China, with a 300% cost overrun, and two in Russia, with a 400% overrun.

From Los Angeles Times Apr. 18, 2025

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon lawmakers this year quietly approved a $90 million cost overrun for a Capitol renovation project, ratcheting up spending by nearly 25% without public notice.

From Washington Times Aug. 9, 2023

Ernest now discovered one hazard of overambitious planning: the cost overrun.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

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