avoidable costs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "avoidable costs" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in financial or business contexts to refer to expenses that can be eliminated or reduced under certain circumstances. Example: "By analyzing our budget, we identified several avoidable costs that could help improve our overall profitability."

✓ Grammatically correct

Healthcare

Economics

Energy Efficiency

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

The government has a duty to reduce these avoidable costs.

The Guardian

It is one of the biggest avoidable costs on the nation's medical bill.

The New York Times

That's the conclusion of a new report, Avoidable Costs in U.S. Healthcare, from the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics.

Harvard University

The most important components based on the total avoidable costs are drying ducts, the condenser and the expansion valve.

Energy Conversion and Management

The report said such infections lengthen hospital stays and require more extensive treatment, adding "considerable and avoidable" costs to the nation's already overburdened health-care system.

The Washington Post

By one estimate, the administrative complexity of the U.S. health care system adds nearly $300 billion per year in avoidable costs.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Relatively simple, avoidable cost structures can undermine the trading efficiency of otherwise efficient competitive market institutions.

Handbook of Experimental Economics Results

This chapter summarizes results from some competitive experimental markets with a simple avoidable cost structure.

Handbook of Experimental Economics Results

The most important components based on the total avoidable cost are the reactor, expander and compressor.

Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments

The continuous double auction often considered an empirical benchmark exhibits "efficiency roller coasters" in avoidable cost structures.

Handbook of Experimental Economics Results

We must do the same with preventable disease to reduce the sheer burden of misery and avoidable cost to our society.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prioritize "avoidable costs" reduction by first targeting areas with the largest impact and easiest implementation, creating quick wins and building momentum for more complex changes.

Common error

Don't classify essential investments in infrastructure, training, or preventive maintenance as "avoidable costs". Cutting these might provide short-term savings but can lead to significant long-term expenses and operational inefficiencies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "avoidable costs" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies expenses that are not necessarily inevitable and can be reduced or eliminated through strategic actions, as evidenced by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "avoidable costs" is a noun phrase used to identify expenses that can be reduced or eliminated. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used in diverse contexts such as science, news, and business. Strategies for addressing "avoidable costs" include identifying inefficiencies, negotiating better deals, and preventing unnecessary expenses. Common errors involve misclassifying essential investments as "avoidable costs", which can lead to long-term problems. Related phrases include "unnecessary expenses" and "reducible expenditures". Addressing these costs contributes to better resource allocation and financial health.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unnecessary expenses

Focuses on the lack of necessity of the expenses.

reducible expenditures

Highlights the possibility of lowering the amount spent.

preventable expenses

Emphasizes the proactive measures that can be taken to avoid the expenses.

controllable costs

Focuses on the ability to manage and influence these costs.

manageable expenses

Highlights that costs can be kept within certain limits.

unwarranted costs

Suggests that the costs are not justified or reasonable.

excessive spending

Emphasizes that more money than necessary is being spent.

non-essential outlays

Focuses on the non-essential nature of the expenses.

discretionary expenses

Highlights that the expenses are optional and at one's discretion.

wasteful spending

Emphasizes the inefficient use of resources.

FAQs

What's the difference between "avoidable costs" and "unnecessary expenses"?

"Avoidable costs" are expenses that can be eliminated or reduced through specific actions or decisions, while "unnecessary expenses" are those that are not required or essential in the first place. The former implies a potential for improvement, while the latter suggests an inherent lack of value.

How can I identify "avoidable costs" in my business?

Start by analyzing your budget and financial statements to identify areas where spending seems excessive or inefficient. Look for redundancies in processes, negotiate better deals with suppliers, and consider automating tasks to reduce labor costs. Regularly review your expenses to ensure they align with your strategic goals.

What are some strategies for reducing "avoidable costs" in healthcare?

Strategies include improving medication adherence, preventing hospital readmissions, reducing administrative complexity, and promoting preventive care. Early identification and treatment of conditions, along with better management of chronic diseases, can also significantly lower healthcare costs.

What can I say instead of "avoidable costs"?

You can use alternatives like "unnecessary expenses", "reducible expenditures", or "preventable expenses" depending on the specific context.