variable cost

American  

noun

1. a cost that varies with a change in the volume of output while remaining uniform on a per-unit basis, as cost of labor (fixed cost ).

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variable cost British  

noun

1. a cost that varies directly with output

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Example Sentences

On the variable cost side of the coin, spending on graphics processing units and data centers, as well as massive electricity bills, are sending tech companies’ capital-light models the way of the dial-up modem.

From Barron's • Mar. 5, 2026

You should go for a smaller battery with less-expensive technology and optimize the variable cost of the product instead.

From The Verge • Jun. 21, 2022

He recalls that there is a fixed cost and variable cost, although he does not remember the values.

From Textbooks • Mar. 30, 2016

And the only way to do that is to reduce the largest variable cost these firms have: compensation.

From New York Times • Feb. 26, 2016

Oil is the biggest variable cost for airlines, often representing a third or more of their total operating expenses.

From Reuters • Dec. 23, 2014