What's the past tense of "cost"?
The verb cost stays the same in the simple past: cost. The present or past perfect) but is far less common in everyday use.
Definition of cost
Cost means the price required to obtain something or the amount of effort, loss, or sacrifice needed to achieve a result.
- The past tense of cost is cost.
- The present or past perfect).
Verb forms of 'cost'
Is "cost" a regular or irregular verb?
It's irregular in that the simple past doesn't add -ed; it remains cost. The participle is also cost. In pricing/accounting contexts, costed can function as a participle meaning "calculated the cost."
When to use cost vs. costed
Simple past: "The repair cost a fortune."
Past participle (estimation context): "The expenses were carefully costed by finance."
Use costed mainly when you mean "priced/estimated," especially in business/accounting usage. Otherwise, use cost.
Sentence examples: cost, cost, cost
• It costs more than I expected.
• Can you estimate the cost of repairs?
• This plan costs less over time.
• The laptop cost me a fortune.
• Tickets cost less last year.
• The mistake cost the team valuable time.
• The upgrades have cost more than planned.
• It had cost us a week of work.
• This has cost me sleep.
Synonyms & nearby words
Synonyms for cost
Nearby phrases
FAQs
What is the past tense of cost?
When is costed used?
Is cost a regular verb?
Sources
- Harper, Douglas. "Etymology of cost." Online Etymology Dictionary. Accessed 15 Oct 2025.
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