operating expense

This term is a technical accounting phrase used primarily in corporate finance and business management. It refers to the "burn rate" of a company's daily operations, such as rent, utilities, and payroll, distinguishing these from the cost of goods sold (COGS) or capital expenditures (CAPEX).

In professional contexts, it is often abbreviated as OPEX. While "expense" is the head noun, the phrase functions as a specific financial category. It carries a neutral, clinical tone and is almost exclusively found in financial statements, budget reports, and business strategy discussions.