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.
Definition of Variable Cost. Variable costs are expenses that fluctuate proportionally with the quantity of output. Variable costs are directly tied to the activities of producing volume, which rises when these activities increase and falls when activities decrease.This effect can be related to materials, labor, and sales commissions.efinition of Variable Cost. Variable costs are expenses that fluctuate proportionally with the quantity of output. Variable costs are directly tied to the activities of producing volume, which rises when these activities increase and falls when activities decrease.