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Definition of incur

incur

/ɪnˈkɜːr/
in · cur
Adjective:incurrable
•
Past Simple:incurred
•
Past Participle:incurred
•
Present Participle:incurring
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incur Lexical Profile

incur Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To become subject to something unwelcome or unpleasant (such as a financial cost, liability, penalty, or hostility) as a result of one's own behavior or actions.

Example

"Passengers who cancel their reservations less than twenty-four hours before departure will incur a processing fee."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for incur
Antonyms
View all antonyms for incur

Word Nuance & Usage

'Incur' is almost exclusively used with negative or burdensome direct objects (such as debts, costs, wrath, or penalties) that result from one's own actions; positive outcomes are 'earned' or 'gained', not incurred.

• Rhymes for incur

• Nearby Words

inculcate
incumbency
incumbent
incur
incurable
incurably
incuriosity

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late Middle English period from Latin 'incurrere', meaning 'to run into or meet with', formed from 'in-' (into, upon) and 'currere' (to run).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Incur. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/incur
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