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Definition of at the expense of in English:

at the expense of

phrase

  • So as to cause harm to or neglect of.

    ‘the pursuit of profit at the expense of the environment’
    • ‘language courses that emphasize communication skills at the expense of literature’
    • ‘Discouraging access seems to provide minimal benefits at the expense of very poor public relations.’
    • ‘Why do we spend so much on things that give us tiny increases in comfort at the expense of so many other people?’
    • ‘The strategy may have been to go for turnover growth at the expense of profit margins.’
    • ‘Behind the move is a scramble to cut costs and boost profits at the expense of workers everywhere.’
    • ‘His aim was predominance, but not at the expense of at least the appearance of popularity.’
    • ‘It might prove to be a success at the economic level but this would be at the expense of quality of life.’
    • ‘Another risk posed by big clients is that they take up staff time at the expense of other, smaller clients.’
    • ‘He said using the 2001 census was benefiting urban areas at the expense of rural areas.’
    • ‘He is convinced that the tilt towards the environment at the expense of productivity has gone too far.’
    • ‘I suppose there's a case for continuity, but surely not at the expense of progress.’
    sacrifice, cost, loss