What is an opportunity cost?

An opportunity cost refers to the value of the next best alternative that is foregone when a decision is made to choose one option over another. When a choice is made, resources such as time, money, and effort are allocated to that selected option, preventing them from being used in the next best alternative. Thus, the true cost of any decision is not just the explicit costs associated with it, but also includes the benefits that could have been received if a different choice were made.

In this context, the correct choice highlights that opportunity cost specifically involves the loss of benefits from the best alternative that was not selected. This concept is essential for making informed and efficient economic choices, as it encourages individuals and businesses to consider what they are giving up when they commit resources to a given action. Understanding opportunity cost helps in evaluating different options and making more strategic decisions.