Phrase guide

variable cost

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A cost that changes with the change in volume of activity of an organization.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: accounting, business, finance

Examples

  • Variable costs of nuclear-generated electricity seem low.
  • Variable costs may actually vary with the number of shifts, the number of set-ups, or many other specific activities.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

6 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: muuttuva kustannus — cost that changes with volume of production
  • French: coût variable — cost that changes with volume of production
  • Indonesian: biaya variabel — cost that changes with volume of production
  • Malay: kos berubah — cost that changes with volume of production
  • Polish: koszt zmienny — cost that changes with volume of production
  • Tagalog: aliging halaga — cost that changes with volume of production