1. an analytic procedure that attempts to determine and compare the economic efficiency of different programs. Costs and benefits are reduced to their monetary value and expressed in a cost–benefit (or benefit–cost) ratio. Compare cost-effectiveness analysis. See also cost-offset analysis.

2. in behavioral ecology, a method of predicting which behavioral strategies are likely to be adaptive by comparing the potential costs and potential benefits of each possible behavior. Those behaviors that will lead to greater benefits relative to costs will be those that survive through natural selection.

3. see cost–reward analysis.