indirect cost

noun

: a cost that is not identifiable with a specific product, function, or activity

Examples of indirect cost in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Plus, there are more indirect costs, such as the penalties that Americans have paid in terms of higher inflation and rising interest rates. — John Cassidy, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 California’s Government Code 51350 states that counties can only charge cities for the specific, direct and indirect costs incurred because of a contract, not including general administrative or operational costs. — Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026 The new dual $500,000 grants totaling $1 million will help with direct and indirect costs for the new location’s acquisition, development and maintenance costs. — Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026 Indirect costs There are also indirect costs associated with debt settlement. — Brian Sloan, CNBC, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for indirect cost

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of indirect cost was circa 1909

Rhymes for indirect cost

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Browse Nearby Words

indirect
indirect cost
indirect development
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Cite this Entry

“Indirect cost.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indirect%20cost. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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