What term describes the additional costs that account for unexpected expenses in a project budget?

The term that describes the additional costs set aside to account for unexpected expenses in a project budget is contingency reserves. Contingency reserves are allocated specifically to mitigate risk and cover unforeseen costs that may arise during the execution of a project. This allows project managers to address uncertainties without having to compromise the project's budget significantly.

Contingency reserves are vital for ensuring that a project can absorb the financial impact of unexpected events, allowing for greater flexibility and adaptability. By planning for these reserves, project managers can enhance the likelihood of project success, minimizing disruptions caused by unexpected expenses.

While overhead costs refer to ongoing expenses not directly tied to a specific project, management reserves are funds set aside for unforeseen changes in scope or major risks, but they are often not allocated specifically for managing minor unexpected expenses. Variable costs are costs that vary with the level of output or activity but do not address the need for funds to cover unexpected expenses specifically. Therefore, the correct term that encompasses the concept of anticipating and preparing for unexpected costs is contingency reserves.