# expend

/ɪkˈspɛnd/ (US) · /ɛkspˈɛnd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/expend
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

to use up a resource or spend money. You use this when you want to say that something is being used up for a specific purpose.

For teachers: to use up or consume a resource, such as money, energy, or materials. Often implies a deliberate or strategic allocation of a finite asset.

## Examples

- The company decided to expend its remaining budget on new equipment.
- The government must expend significant resources to maintain the aging infrastructure before the next decade begins.
- By choosing to expend their limited diplomatic capital on this high-stakes negotiation, the leaders risked alienating their traditional allies in the region.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.