at the expense of

US /æt ðə ɪkˈspens ʌv/

UK /æt ðə ɪkˈspens ʌv/

1.

resulting in harm or damage to (someone or something else)

:

•

He pursued his career at the expense of his family life.

•

The company increased profits at the expense of environmental regulations.

:

at the cost of to the detriment of sacrificing jeopardizing undermining

:

expensive expense accrued expense operating expense interest expense expense account at someone's expense