at the expense of

idiom

: in a way that harms (something or someone)

Malls flourished at the expense of small stores downtown.

He argues that the tax cut will benefit the rich at the expense of the poor.

Examples of at the expense of 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.

For generations, Black men have been burdened with the expectation to embody strength and resilience, often at the expense of their emotional well-being. —

Essence, 10 Jan. 2025 Ambition Without Compromise Host: Monique Shields Burnout often stems from chasing success at the expense of well-being. —

Amanda Miller Littlejohn, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025 During his presidency, Trump pushed for policies favoring Central Valley farmers, often at the expense of ecological protections. —

Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025 Yes, the Padres and the city are making millions — but at the expense of neighboring residents and in violation of the city noise ordinance and the ballpark’s environmental impact report. —

U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for at the expense of

Dictionary Entries Near at the expense of

at the end of the day

at the expense of

at the first opportunity

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“At the expense of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20the%20expense%20of. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.

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