Prohibitively expensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Prohibitively expensive" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is so costly that it prevents someone from being able to afford it. Example: "The cost of the new software was prohibitively expensive for our small business, so we had to look for alternatives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Prohibitively expensive.

The New York Times

Alas, that's probably "prohibitively expensive".

The New York Times

The tickets are prohibitively expensive.

The Guardian - Sport

Commercial distribution remains prohibitively expensive.

The New Yorker

Flights were complicated and prohibitively expensive.

The Economist

But that would be prohibitively expensive.

The Economist

C.D.S. contracts can sometimes be prohibitively expensive.

The New Yorker

Hiring qualified staff can be prohibitively expensive.

The Economist

But their services can be prohibitively expensive.

The New York Times

BBC shows, too, were prohibitively expensive.

Independent

Anything else else is just prohibitively expensive".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prohibitively expensive", ensure the context clearly indicates what the high cost prevents someone from doing or obtaining. For example, specify "prohibitively expensive for small businesses" or "prohibitively expensive to maintain."

Common error

Avoid using "prohibitively expensive" when something is merely expensive. This phrase implies that the cost is so high it effectively prevents purchase or use, not just that it's pricey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prohibitively expensive" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something is too expensive to be realistically afforded or undertaken. Ludwig provides examples where it describes the cost of items or services, preventing access or use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prohibitively expensive" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes something being unaffordable due to its high cost. Ludwig confirms its usage across various contexts, especially in news, science and business. The phrase effectively conveys the idea that the cost is a significant barrier, preventing access or use. While there are alternatives such as "excessively costly" or "beyond one's means", it's important to ensure the context truly warrants the implication of a cost that is effectively prohibitive, rather than just high. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is widely accepted and understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Excessively costly

Emphasizes the extreme level of cost, making it impractical.

Unfeasibly priced

Highlights the impracticality of the price in relation to its value or budget.

Inordinately high-priced

Stresses the exceeding normal or reasonable limits of the price.

Beyond one's means

Indicates that something is unaffordable for a specific person or group.

Out of reach financially

Focuses on the financial aspect of being unable to afford something.

Priced out of the market

Suggests that the price has increased so much that it is no longer affordable for many.

Unattainably priced

Emphasizes the impossibility of obtaining something due to its price.

Astronomically expensive

Uses hyperbole to describe the extremely high cost.

Exorbitantly priced

Implies that the price is much higher than what is considered fair or reasonable.

Overpriced to an extreme

Highlights that the pricing is unreasonable.

FAQs

How can I use "prohibitively expensive" in a sentence?

Use "prohibitively expensive" to describe something so costly that it prevents people or organizations from purchasing or using it. For example: "The new equipment was "prohibitively expensive" for the small company."

What can I say instead of "prohibitively expensive"?

Alternatives include "excessively costly", "unattainably priced", or "beyond one's means depending on the specific context".

What makes something "prohibitively expensive"?

Something is "prohibitively expensive" when its cost is so high that it effectively prevents access or use, often due to budgetary constraints or market pricing.

Is it always about money when something is "prohibitively expensive"?

While primarily related to monetary cost, "prohibitively expensive" can also imply that the resources or effort required are too great to justify the outcome. However, the dominant interpretation remains financial.