// Concepts

Sunk Cost Fallacy

The sunk cost fallacy is a psychological phenomenon where people continue to invest in a failing endeavor because of the resources they have already put into it. This can include money, time, or effort. The fallacy leads to irrational decisions because it focuses on past investments rather than future costs and benefits. In economics, a sunk cost is defined as a cost that has already been incurred and cannot be recovered. Logically, these costs should not influence future decisions.

This fallacy can affect decisions in various aspects of life, from personal relationships to business investments. For instance, someone might stay in an unhappy relationship due to the years already invested, or a business might continue funding a failing project because of the money already spent. The sunk cost fallacy is closely related to loss aversion, where people prefer avoiding losses over acquiring equivalent gains. Recognizing and overcoming this bias is crucial for rational decision-making, focusing on potential future benefits and setting clear goals.

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last updated Sep 6, 2025

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// Often Mentioned Together

// Sources

last updated Sep 6, 2025

The Science of Inner Wisdom: Bridging Neuroscience, Gut Health, and Intuition

The Architecture of Intent: Designing Your Life Beyond Default Desires

The Intelligence Paradox: Why Brainpower Isn’t the Path to a Meaningful Life