costˈly adjective

1. Bought or sold at a high price
2. Valuable

costˈ-account transitive verb

costˈ-accountant noun

A person who analyses and classifies elements of cost, eg material, labour, etc, or who devises systems of doing this

costˈ-accounting noun

cost centre noun

A department, process or piece of equipment for which costs can be worked out as part of the costing process in business

cost-effecˈtive or cost-effiˈcient adjective

Giving adequate return for outlay

cost-effecˈtiveness or cost efficiency noun

cost-freeˈ adjective

Free of charge (also adverb)

cost plus noun

A work contract where payment is based on the actual production cost plus an agreed percentage of that cost as profit

cost-plusˈ adjective

cost price noun

The price the dealer pays for goods bought

cost push noun (economics)

Inflation due to rising production costs (also cost-push inflation)

at all costs or at any cost

No matter what the cost or consequences may be (also (old) cost what may)

cost-benefit analysis (or assessment)

The comparison of the cost of a particular course of action with the benefits (to be) derived from it

cost of living

The total cost of goods ordinarily required in order to live up to one's usual standard

cost of living index

An official number showing the cost of living at a certain date compared with that at another date taken as a standard

cost someone dear (or dearly)

To prove very costly or detrimental to someone

count the cost

1. To assess the risks of an action before attempting it
2. To comprehend fully the unfortunate consequences of an action

prime cost

The price of production, without regard to profit or overhead expenses

to one's cost

With some loss or disadvantage