absorb the cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absorb the cost" is grammatically correct and is commonly used in written English.
It means to bear or take on the financial burden of something. It is often used in business or financial contexts. Example: The company decided to absorb the cost of the new equipment rather than passing it on to their customers, in order to maintain customer loyalty.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In others, employees absorb the cost themselves.

The New York Times

Station owners absorb the cost of the lost gasoline.

The New York Times

"I will probably absorb the cost," Mr. Haber said.

The New York Times

Nor is it clear how we will absorb the cost.

The New York Times - Magazine

The city would absorb the cost, $261 million a year.

The New York Times

Some districts and universities would absorb the cost.

The New York Times

The cost of it is $150, but we absorb the cost in the department.

Cornell University

He cannot afford to absorb the cost and he cannot afford to pass it on.

The New York Times

Some estate agencies say they are willing to absorb the cost in their commission fee.

The Guardian - Money

He also announced that the federal government would absorb the cost of removing debris.

The New York Times

And Brazil would be better able to absorb the cost, too.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When deciding whether to use "absorb the cost", consider the context. It is most appropriate when discussing business strategies, financial planning, or policy decisions where an entity decides to bear an expense rather than passing it on.

Common error

Avoid using "absorb the cost" when the expense is merely delayed or transferred to another entity indirectly. The phrase implies a conscious decision to permanently bear the expense within the current budget or operational framework.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absorb the cost" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of bearing or taking on the financial burden of something. It is commonly used in financial and economic contexts, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

11%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "absorb the cost" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, meaning to bear a financial burden without passing it on. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate in business, financial, and policy contexts. High-quality sources like The New York Times and The Guardian commonly use it. Alternatives such as "assume the expense" or "cover the expenses" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using the phrase, ensure that the expense is truly being borne, and not simply deferred or shifted indirectly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Assume the expense

Emphasizes taking on the responsibility of the expense, similar to absorbing it.

Bear the financial burden

Highlights the weight of the cost, focusing on the responsibility of carrying it.

Cover the expenses

Indicates that the costs are taken care of, providing a means to pay for them.

Offset the charge

Focuses on counterbalancing the cost with other financial resources.

Shoulder the payment

Suggests accepting and managing the payment obligations.

Take on the financial responsibility

Highlights accepting the duty of managing and paying for something.

Internalize the expense

Suggests incorporating the cost within an organization or budget.

Manage the expenditure

Implies controlling and handling the spending required.

Handle the outlay

Indicates dealing with the cost or disbursement of funds.

Underwrite the financial commitment

Focuses on guaranteeing to cover the cost, especially in a formal agreement.

FAQs

What does it mean to "absorb the cost"?

To "absorb the cost" means to bear the expense of something, deciding not to pass it on to others, like consumers or employees. It implies accepting financial responsibility.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "absorb the cost"?

Use "absorb the cost" when discussing financial decisions where an entity chooses to manage or cover expenses internally, rather than transferring them. This is common in business, economics, and policy discussions.

What are some alternatives to saying "absorb the cost"?

You can use alternatives like "assume the expense", "cover the expenses", or "bear the financial burden", depending on the context.

How does "absorb the cost" differ from "offset the cost"?

"Absorb the cost" implies fully covering an expense internally, while "offset the cost" suggests reducing the impact of an expense by balancing it with savings or revenues from other sources.