cost-control
UK[ˈkɒst kənˌtrəʊl]US[ˈkɔːst kənˌtroʊl]
n
The process or activity of managing and regulating expenses to keep them within a planned budget.
n
A system or set of procedures implemented to reduce or limit costs.
Morpheme Breakdown
cost
control
cost
expense
control
regulation
Etymology
The compound noun 'cost-control' is a modern business term formed by combining two established English words. 'Cost' originates from the Latin verb constare, meaning 'to stand together' or 'to stand at (a price)', which evolved through Old French to denote an expenditure or price. 'Control' has a more administrative origin, stemming from the Latin contrarotulus, a 'counter-register' used for verification, which evolved to mean authority or command. The fusion of these terms in the 20th century reflects a logical conceptual pairing: the application of managerial authority ('control') specifically over financial expenditures ('cost') to ensure fiscal discipline and efficiency within an organization.
Analysis
Structure: cost (expense) + control (regulation)
- cost: From Latin constare ('to stand at, to cost'), via Old French coster. In this compound, it functions as a noun meaning 'the price paid or required to acquire, produce, or maintain something'.
- control: From Latin contrarotulus ('a counter-roll, register'), via Anglo-French contreroller. In this compound, it functions as a noun meaning 'the power to influence, direct, or manage'.
Examples
Implementing strict cost-control is essential for the startup's survival.
The new manager was praised for her effective cost-control measures.
The project went over budget due to a lack of proper cost-control.