unavoidable expenses

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unavoidable expenses" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to costs that cannot be avoided or eliminated, often in the context of budgeting or financial planning. Example: "When creating a budget, it's important to account for unavoidable expenses such as rent and utilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Then subtract other unavoidable expenses such as course books and equipment.

The Guardian

The middle class is under pressure, too, battered by stagnating incomes and unavoidable expenses like medical bills.

The New York Times

Using modern, sophisticated measures that take into account government programs as well as unavoidable expenses, like child care and out-of-pocket medical costs, the poverty rate has actually been higher over the last three years than the official statistic suggests.

The New York Times

Aspiring to own your home is further complicated by the exorbitant price of rent – when bills and other unavoidable expenses are added to the cost of my modest accommodation, just keeping my bank balance in the black is a considerable challenge.

The Guardian

It includes benefits received from government programs intended to reduce poverty, such as food stamps, energy assistance, the Earned Income Tax Credit and excludes taxes and other unavoidable expenses, such as out-of-pocket medical costs.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Food is a an unavoidable expense.

The Guardian - Money

As the cost of funerals has nearly doubled in the last decade, one fifth of the 500,000 families who are bereaved each year are struggling to afford the unavoidable expense of a funeral – the cost of dying is rising seven times faster than the cost of living.

Vice

For instance car ownership is an unavoidable expense for poor rural families and how, precisely, can one allocate occupational standing to the unemployed, the housewife, or the retired?

BMC Public Health

Having studied the various impacts on your business profit and cash holding positions you as boss of the business will be the final figure having to understand your own business dynamics in profit and cash holding (on top of your planning on how to produce and sell your target items and the so-called unavoidable overhead expenses you have to take care of in order to keep your business door open.

WikiHow

The BBC said it had made "significant progress" in reducing expenditure, with the bulk of its expenses for "unavoidable routine costs incurred in running a major international broadcasting organisation".

The Guardian

Another charge, the "expense ratio," is unavoidable.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial matters, clearly distinguish between discretionary and "unavoidable expenses" to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid misinterpreting "unavoidable expenses" as simply 'unnecessary' ones. "Unavoidable expenses" are essential for basic functioning, while unnecessary expenses are discretionary and can be reduced or eliminated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unavoidable expenses" functions as a noun phrase, where 'unavoidable' modifies 'expenses'. It refers to costs that cannot be avoided or eliminated. Ludwig confirms the phrase's common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unavoidable expenses" refers to essential costs that cannot be eliminated. Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, including news, finance, and personal budgeting. While relatively infrequent, understanding and categorizing "unavoidable expenses" is crucial for effective financial planning. Related terms include "inescapable costs" and "mandatory expenditures". When using this phrase, ensure clarity and avoid confusing it with discretionary spending. By differentiating essential from optional costs, you can better manage your financial resources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inescapable costs

Focuses on the impossibility of avoiding the costs.

mandatory expenditures

Highlights the obligatory nature of the expenses.

necessary outlays

Emphasizes the essential nature of the spending.

essential costs

Highlights the critical nature of the costs.

unavoidable overheads

Specifically refers to business-related unavoidable costs.

fixed expenses

Points out expenses that remain constant and can't be changed.

committed spending

Focuses on the pre-determined or agreed-upon nature of the expenses.

non-discretionary spending

Highlights that the spending is not optional.

recurring charges

Emphasizes the regularly occurring nature of the expenses.

inescapable financial obligations

Highlights the compulsory nature of the financial responsibilities.

FAQs

How can I identify "unavoidable expenses" in my budget?

"Unavoidable expenses" are those essential for daily living or business operation, such as rent, utilities, loan payments, and mandatory insurance. These are distinct from discretionary spending like entertainment or dining out.

What are some examples of "unavoidable expenses" for a business?

For a business, "unavoidable expenses" might include rent, utilities, salaries, mandatory insurance, debt service, and essential supplies. These are costs necessary to maintain operations.

How do "unavoidable expenses" affect financial planning?

"Unavoidable expenses" form the foundation of any budget or financial plan. Understanding these obligations allows for realistic assessment of available funds for savings, investments, or discretionary spending.

What's the difference between "unavoidable expenses" and "discretionary expenses"?

"Unavoidable expenses" are essential and non-negotiable costs necessary for basic living or business operation. "Discretionary expenses", on the other hand, are optional and can be reduced or eliminated based on financial priorities.