Incurs

Incurs is a verb meaning to bring upon oneself or become liable for something as a result of one’s actions. It is commonly used to refer to costs, penalties, or obligations that arise because of a decision or conduct.

Etymology: Originating in Middle English incuren, from Old French incurer, with roots in Latin incurrere (to run into, meet). The sense has long emphasized something that one must face or pay as a consequence.

Usage: Typical uses include incur a debt, incur expenses, incur costs, incur penalties, incur liabilities, and incur a tax liability. In legal, financial, and business contexts, to incur an obligation means one is bound to fulfill it, even if not yet paid. The noun form is incurred, as in “losses incurred” or “penalties incurred.”

Examples: The project incurred substantial costs after delays. The company incurred penalties for late reporting. A household may incur debt to cover emergency repairs.

Notes: The term has a negative or undesirable connotation, though it simply denotes a consequence of action. It is typically followed by specific objects such as costs, fees, penalties, debts, or liabilities.

See also: liability, debt, cost, penalty, expense.