arbitrary cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arbitrary cost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a cost that is determined by random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system. Example: "The project was delayed due to an arbitrary cost increase that was not justified by any clear rationale."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

We study singleton congestion games where each player must choose one resource, with arbitrary cost functions on using each resource.

Stanford University

In this contribution, we introduce an efficient method for solving the optimal control problem for an unconstrained nonlinear switched system with an arbitrary cost function.

IFAC-PapersOnLine

While our general theory allows costs to be specified by arbitrary cost functions, we also consider a class of linear cost functions, which give rise to an instance of our framework where all operations are computable in polynomial time.

University of California, Berkeley

The Senate also removed a provision that would have obliged professionals like lawyers and architects to provide a written cost estimate to clients before accepting a job to prevent arbitrary cost increases.

The New York Times

Among various algorithms designed to exploit the specific properties of quantum computers with respect to classical ones, the quantum adiabatic algorithm is a versatile proposition to find the minimal value of an arbitrary cost function (ground state energy).

Physics Reports

Here is an arbitrary cost function to be designed, and.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The cost structure should be determined by how we chose to grow our business, not by an arbitrary cost-reduction target.

Harvard Business Review

Shadow health secretary Andy Burnham said: "It is simply wrong for thousands of older people to be denied the hip, knee and cataract operations they desperately need because of arbitrary, cost-based restrictions".

The Guardian

The petitioners also said that the program violated the Administrative Procedure Act because of its arbitrary treatment of Energy Intensive, Trade Exposed industries and based on arbitrary cost-benefit analysis and least-burdensome alternative analysis.

Columbia University

Saving for college bribery is an expensive process, larded with arbitrary costs and unforeseen criminal cover-ups.

The New York Times

Some of our results can be extended to the case of unit length intervals with arbitrary costs.

Theoretical Computer Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "arbitrary cost", ensure you provide context explaining why the cost is considered arbitrary. Specific details will strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "arbitrary cost" without providing sufficient context. What might seem arbitrary to you may have a logical basis to someone else. Always explain your reasoning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "arbitrary cost" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "arbitrary" modifies the noun "cost". According to Ludwig, this phrase is used to describe a cost that lacks a clear or justifiable basis, suggesting randomness or a decision made without proper rationale.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "arbitrary cost" describes an expense that lacks a clear justification, implying randomness or a decision devoid of sound reasoning. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and finds its usage across various domains like science, news, and academia. While the phrase conveys disapproval of costs lacking proper justification, providing context ensures clarity. Synonyms like "unjustified expense" or "capricious fee" can be considered depending on the specific intent. Using this phrase effectively involves clearly articulating why a particular cost is perceived as "arbitrary", thereby strengthening the argument. While not extremely frequent, the term is suitable in a variety of professional and neutral registers to highlight concerns around transparency and accountability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unjustified expense

This alternative highlights the lack of a valid reason for the cost.

unwarranted cost

This highlights the cost's lack of a clear or logical basis.

random charge

This alternative emphasizes the unpredictable nature of the cost.

capricious fee

This alternative suggests the cost is based on whim or fancy.

groundless charge

This emphasizes the absence of any factual or logical basis for the cost.

unreasonable price

This alternative indicates the cost is excessive or unfair.

unpredictable expense

This centers on the cost's variable and unforeseen nature.

excessive expenditure

This alternative focuses on the extravagance of the cost.

discretionary spending

This refers to costs determined by individual choice, which can be viewed as arbitrary in some contexts.

subjective valuation

This emphasizes the cost is based on personal opinion rather than objective criteria.

FAQs

What does "arbitrary cost" mean?

The phrase "arbitrary cost" refers to an expense or price that is determined randomly or without a clear or justifiable reason. It suggests a lack of transparency or a decision based on whim.

How can I use "arbitrary cost" in a sentence?

You can use "arbitrary cost" to describe situations where expenses seem unjustified. For instance: "The project was delayed due to an "arbitrary cost" increase that was not justified by any clear rationale."

What are some alternatives to "arbitrary cost"?

Alternatives include "unjustified expense", "random charge", or "capricious fee", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "arbitrary cost" the same as "unreasonable cost"?

While similar, "arbitrary cost" emphasizes the lack of a rational basis for the expense, whereas "unreasonable cost" highlights that the price is excessive or unfair.