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

The TCO will switch towards EV, even though the variable cost of an EV is higher than what we were used to in the combustion era.

From The Verge • Jun. 21, 2022

The cost of running some types business has two components—a fixed cost and a variable cost.

From Textbooks • Apr. 22, 2020

The city has piloted variable cost parking according to demand in the past but where is the citywide implementation?

From New York Times • Nov. 8, 2017

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

From Reuters • Jan. 10, 2015