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Economics glossary · The economic problem

Sunk cost

What sunk cost means in economics, with an example and a question to test yourself.

Definition
Sunk cost
A sunk cost is a cost incurred in the past that cannot now be recovered.
Not to be confused with: Opportunity cost
Opportunity cost is what a person must give up in order to obtain what they want.
Test yourself

What is the difference between sunk cost and opportunity cost?

Learn it properly: the module

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