English Reference
noun · verb · adjective

budget

n. · v. · adj.
US /ˈbədʒɪt/ UK /bˈʌdʒɪt/ bud·get UK spelling budgets

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    n.a plan that shows how much money you have and how you will spend it over a period of time.

    n.an itemized summary of estimated or intended expenditures for a given period, often coupled with expected revenue.

    Simple

    We need to create a strict monthly budget to save for our summer holiday.

    In context

    The department head presented a revised budget to the board, highlighting the need for increased investment in research and development.

    financial planforecastaccounts
  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    n.the total amount of money available for a specific purpose or person.

    n.the total sum of money or resources allocated for a particular institution, activity, or timeframe.

    Simple

    The school has a limited budget for new library books this year.

    In context

    Despite the military's massive budget, several key infrastructure projects remained underfunded due to administrative inefficiencies.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to plan how you will spend your money or time.

    v.to plan the allocation of money or resources; often used with 'for'.

    Simple

    If you budget carefully, you can afford to eat out once a week.

    In context

    The couple had to budget for unexpected repairs after the surveyor found issues with the house's foundation.

    Usage

    Often used as an intransitive verb or followed by the preposition 'for'.

  4. 04 B1 Intermediate

    adj.cheap or suitable for people who do not have much money to spend.

    adj.inexpensive; designed or marketed to suit a restricted amount of money.

    Simple

    We stayed at a budget hotel near the airport to save money.

    In context

    The airline dominates the market by offering budget fares to major European cities, though they charge extra for checked luggage.

    cheapeconomicallow cost

One mother said uniform costs had "really eaten" into her budget.

BBC News· 18 Aug 2026

Budgets are always an issue with public projects.

Phys.org· 17 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Very common
Updated