Opportunity Cost - IGCSE Business Definition

Reviewed by: Lisa Eades

Last updated

Opportunity cost refers to the value of the next best alternative that you give up when making a choice and is a key concept in IGCSE Business and economics.

In simple terms, when you decide to do one thing, you lose the chance to do something else.

For example, if a business spends £10,000 on advertising, it might have to delay buying new equipment. Similarly, if a student spends time studying Business, they might miss out on playing sports.

Understanding opportunity cost helps both individuals and businesses make smarter decisions by thinking about what they are sacrificing. Businesses must carefully consider opportunity costs when choosing how to spend money, use resources, or invest in new projects. By weighing up different options, they can make better choices that help them grow and succeed.

Examiner-written IGCSE Business revision resources that improve your grades 2x

  • Written by expert teachers and examiners
  • Aligned to exam specifications
  • Everything you need to know, and nothing you don’t
IGCSE Business revision resources

Share this article

Lisa Eades

Reviewer: Lisa Eades

Expertise: Business Content Creator

Lisa has taught A Level, GCSE, BTEC and IBDP Business for over 20 years and is a senior Examiner for Edexcel. Lisa has been a successful Head of Department in Kent and has offered private Business tuition to students across the UK. Lisa loves to create imaginative and accessible resources which engage learners and build their passion for the subject.

The examiner written revision resources that improve your grades 2x.

Join now