In medical research, cross-sectional studies differ from case-control studies in that they aim to provide data on the entire population under study, whereas case-control studies typically include only individuals with a specific characteristic, with a sample, often a tiny minority, of the rest of the population.
(redirected from Variable Expense) Also found in: Dictionary, Wikipedia. A cost that is directly proportional to the volume of output produced. When production is zero, the variable cost is equal to zero. A cost to a person or business that varies over time according to a number of factors.
The Definition of Variable Costs. Variable expenses represent those daily spending decisions like eating at a restaurant, buying clothes, drinking Starbucks, and playing a round of golf with your buddies. These costs are not considered variable because theyâre discretionary. Rather, they're variable because the amount that you spend differs from month-to-month. While most variable costs represent discretionary spending (such as restaurants, Starbucks, and golf), some variable costs represent necessities.