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.
If the indirect costs cap is passed, institutions could collectively stand to lose billions of dollars in their research budgets. Sean Conlon, CNBC, 26 Mar. 2025 But scientists and university administrators say those indirect costs are crucial for the infrastructure that enables research. Alison Snyder, Axios, 24 Mar. 2025 And there is talk that on grants that are awarded, the indirect cost recovery rates will be reduced. Lucie Lapovsky, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 These cuts come on top of last month’s announcement of major rollbacks to what are known as indirect costs — money the NIH gives research institutions on top of project-specific grants to cover necessary expenses like building maintenance, utilities, and administrative staff salaries. Celia Ford, Vox, 17 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 2 Apr. 2025.

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