at the expense of

Meaning

This phrase is used to show that one thing is achieved, developed, or selected in a way that harms, neglects, or sacrifices another. In academic and analytical writing, it highlights trade-offs, negative consequences, or disproportionate focus. The tone is formal, critical, and objective.

Examples

• The company increased its short-term profits at the expense of long-term stability.

  The company increased its short-term profits at the expense of long-term stability.

• Rapid industrialization often occurs at the expense of environmental conservation.

  Rapid industrialization often occurs at the expense of environmental conservation.

• He focused entirely on his academic career, unfortunately at the expense of his physical health.

  He focused entirely on his academic career, unfortunately at the expense of his physical health.

• The curriculum emphasizes STEM subjects, sometimes at the expense of the humanities.

  The curriculum emphasizes STEM subjects, sometimes at the expense of the humanities.

• We cannot rush the clinical trials at the expense of patient safety.

  We cannot rush the clinical trials at the expense of patient safety.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ They increased production on the expense of safety standards.

  ✓ They increased production at the expense of safety standards.

  The correct preposition to use with this fixed phrase is 'at', not 'on' or 'with'.

• ✗ They grew their business at the expenses of quality.

  ✓ They grew their business at the expense of quality.

  The word 'expense' must remain singular in this idiom, even if multiple things are being sacrificed.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The government focused on economic growth ___ environmental protection.

  💡 Sacrificing or harming the environment.

  Show answer

  at the expense of

• She gained international fame ___ her personal privacy.

  💡 By sacrificing her privacy.

  Show answer

  at the expense of