What does incurred mean?
“Incurred” is the past tense and past participle of “incur,” a verb meaning to bring a cost, loss, penalty, risk, or other consequence upon oneself. It is especially common in formal and professional contexts, as in “incurred expenses” or “incurred damages,” and usually presents the cost or consequence as something that has happened and must now be dealt with. The word can apply to deliberate actions, such as agreeing to a contract that incurs costs, or to unavoidable events, such as a company incurring a loss. In everyday language, “incurred” is often replaced by simpler verbs like “got” or “faced,” but the formal wording is useful in financial, legal, and administrative writing.
verbThe past tense and past participle of incur, meaning to bring upon oneself or become subject to something, especially a cost, loss, penalty, or consequence.
- Having brought upon oneself or become subject to a cost, loss, penalty, or other consequence.
"The company incurred significant losses during the downturn."
"The project incurred delays after the equipment failed."
"Drivers may incur fines for parking in a restricted zone."
When expenses are incurred, they have become a reality that someone must now handle.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does incurred come from?
“Incur” comes from Latin incurere, formed from in- meaning “into” or “upon” and currere meaning “to run,” with the original sense of running into or against something. English borrowed the word in the 16th century for bringing charges, losses, or other consequences upon oneself. Its Latin relatives include “incursion,” a sudden attack or entrance, and “current,” from the same root of running or flowing.
Related word forms
How incurred is actually used
Usually used with costs, expenses, losses, penalties, risks, or consequences. It is formal and neutral, though it can sound technical in financial and legal contexts.
Easily confused with incurred
“Incurred” is the past form of “incur,” whereas “incurred” can also be confused with “incurred” in contexts involving a fee or expense that has been received or charged.
“Incur” is the base form used after a modal verb or in the present tense, while “incurred” is its past tense and past participle.