Ávinning

Ávinningur is an Icelandic noun meaning gain, profit, or benefit that arises from a course of action, an investment, or a situation. It can refer to financial profit in a business context as well as non-financial advantages such as efficiency, convenience, or social value. In everyday language and in economics, ávinningur expresses a positive outcome or favorable result.

Etymology and usage notes: The standard form is ávinningur. The word is built from the prefix á- plus vinn- from the verb vinna (to work), and it has come to mean the result or yield of work or investment. In some contexts, ávinning may appear in elliptical or shorthand usage, but ávinningur is the common headword in dictionaries and formal writing. The term is used across formal analyses and general discussion to denote benefit received.

Economics and evaluation: In cost-benefit analysis, ávinningur refers to the total benefits or returns produced by a project or policy. These benefits are weighed against kostnaður (costs) to assess net value. Ávinningur can be tangible, such as revenue and savings, or intangible, such as improved well-being, health, or environmental quality. The concept supports decision-making by highlighting the positive outcomes relative to the resources expended.

Related terms: Synonyms include hagnaður (profit), gagn (benefit), and nytsemi (utility or usefulness). The opposite concept is kostnaður (cost) or tap (loss). The term is commonly used in business, public policy, and everyday discussion of outcomes and value.