indirect cost

noun

: a cost that is not identifiable with a specific product, function, or activity

Examples of indirect cost in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Similarly, the administration wants to cut $400 million annually from the U.S. Department of Energy by setting indirect cost caps at 15%. Ira Porter, Christian Science Monitor, 22 Apr. 2025 Proposals to cap indirect cost recovery rates for research grants at 15% from the NIH and the US Department of Energy would further squeeze institutions financially, S&P added. Sarah Owermohle, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2025 In medical research, indirect costs account for elements such as laboratory heating, lighting, plumbing, cleaning, IT services and other aspects related to facilities and maintenance. Gus Alexiou, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025 The indirect costs help purchase and upgrade state-of-the-art research equipment and technologies. Mitzi Nagarkatti, The Conversation, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for indirect cost

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of indirect cost was circa 1909

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Cite this Entry

“Indirect cost.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indirect%20cost. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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