operating cost
noun[C,usually plural]
ACCOUNTINGukus(alsooperating expense)
acostrelatingtoproducinga company'sgoodsorservices:
cut/increase/reduce operating costsThecompanyplanstocutoperatingcostsby £1.2bn ayear.
Operatingcostsformarketingwereincorporatedintooverallsalesfigures.
acostinvolvedin using amachine,pieceofequipment,building, etc.:
high/low operating costsThefloodlightuses one of the mostcommonlampseriesin use, forgreateravailabilityatloweroperatingcosts.