at any cost

USAGE SUMMARY

'at any cost' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is of great importance to a person or organization, and that they are willing to incur any expenses or make any sacrifices necessary to ensure its success. For example, "John is determined to get his company back on track, and he is willing to do whatever it takes, at any cost."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Safety at any cost is not a desirable policy objective.

British Journal of Cancer

"War at Any Cost?

Columbia University

Win at any cost".

The New York Times - Sports

Seemingly at any cost.

The Guardian

Growth at any cost.

The New York Times

Stay in the euro at any cost".

The Economist

I wanted in at any cost".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Always try to help out friends at any cost.

WikiHow

Follow the timetable at any cost.

WikiHow

They must be stopped, at any cost.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They cannot be excluded at any cost.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at any cost" to emphasize the high priority or importance of a goal, indicating a willingness to make significant sacrifices to achieve it.

Common error

Avoid using "at any cost" in situations where the stakes are low or the sacrifices are minimal. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at any cost" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the extent to which someone is willing to go to achieve a goal. Ludwig provides many examples showing how this phrase intensifies the determination behind an action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

13%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at any cost" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize the paramount importance of an objective. It signifies a willingness to make significant sacrifices to achieve a specific goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is typically employed to indicate that something is of great importance to a person or organization, and that they are prepared to incur any expense or make any sacrifice. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Academia, it conveys urgency and unwavering commitment. While effective, writers should avoid overuse in trivial situations to maintain its impact. Alternatives such as "whatever it takes" or "by any means necessary" can provide nuance depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at all costs

Synonymous to the query, this version simply rearranges the words for emphasis.

at any price

Similar to "at any cost", but emphasizes monetary value or other non-monetary prices.

whatever it takes

This is a more informal and general way of saying that one is willing to do anything.

by any means necessary

This alternative implies a willingness to use any method, even those that might be questionable.

regardless of the sacrifice

This phrase emphasizes the sacrifices that might be necessary to achieve the goal.

no matter the expense

This alternative focuses on the financial aspect of the sacrifice, highlighting that money is no object.

without counting the cost

This emphasizes the disregard for negative consequences or expenditure.

no holds barred

This indicates a willingness to use any tactic, even if it is unfair or ruthless.

come what may

This suggests a willingness to face any challenges or difficulties that arise.

by hook or by crook

This idiom suggests a determination to achieve something, even if it means using dishonest or illegal methods.

FAQs

How can I use "at any cost" in a sentence?

You can use "at any cost" to emphasize the importance of achieving a goal, implying that significant sacrifices are acceptable. For example, "The company was determined to win the contract "at any cost"."

What does "at any cost" mean?

"At any cost" means that someone is willing to do whatever is necessary to achieve something, regardless of the difficulties, sacrifices, or negative consequences involved.

What are some alternatives to "at any cost"?

Alternatives to "at any cost" include "whatever it takes", "by any means necessary", or "regardless of the sacrifice". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "at any cost" or "at all costs"?

"At any cost" and "at all costs" are largely interchangeable and mean the same thing. The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.