absolutely outrageous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absolutely outrageous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express strong disapproval or shock regarding a situation, action, or statement. Example: "The price of the concert tickets is absolutely outrageous; I can't believe they are charging that much."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is absolutely outrageous.

The Guardian

It's absolutely outrageous".

The Guardian

"Absolutely outrageous," Mr Mahmood replied.

Independent

It's outrageous, it's absolutely outrageous".

Independent

I think it's absolutely outrageous.

The Guardian

Lord Rennard's old cronies: That's absolutely outrageous.

The Guardian

"It's absolutely outrageous behaviour on Vodafone's behalf.

The Guardian

It was absolutely outrageous, of course!

The Guardian - Sport

Even if it is legal, it's absolutely outrageous".

The New York Times

And then... then, the last 15 minutes were absolutely outrageous.

The Guardian - Sport

"But at the same time, it's an absolutely outrageous caprice".

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "absolutely outrageous" to express strong disapproval or moral outrage in situations where you feel something is completely unacceptable or shocking. Ensure the context warrants such a strong reaction for maximum impact.

Common error

Avoid using "absolutely outrageous" for minor inconveniences or disagreements. Overusing strong language can diminish its impact and make you seem overly dramatic. Reserve it for truly shocking or unacceptable situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absolutely outrageous" functions as an intensifier followed by an adjective, together forming an adjectival phrase. This construction serves to express a strong negative judgment or disapproval. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts to highlight the extreme unacceptability of a situation or action. As stated in Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "absolutely outrageous" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express strong disapproval or shock. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s appropriate for use in written English, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, remember to reserve this powerful expression for situations that genuinely warrant such a strong emotional response. Consider alternatives like "utterly unacceptable" or "downright appalling" for nuanced communication. Finally, avoid overuse in trivial matters to maintain its impact. The frequent presence of this phrase in authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times underscores its validity and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

downright appalling

Stresses the shocking and terrible nature of something, adding a layer of disgust.

genuinely scandalous

Highlights the shocking and morally offensive nature of something.

blatantly unacceptable

Highlights the overt and obvious nature of something being unacceptable.

utterly unacceptable

Emphasizes the unacceptability of something, focusing on its failure to meet standards.

completely intolerable

Emphasizes the unbearable nature of something, suggesting it cannot be endured.

wholly inappropriate

Highlights the inappropriateness of something, indicating it's unsuitable for the situation.

totally unjustified

Focuses on the lack of legitimate reasons for something, indicating it is unfair.

simply inexcusable

Focuses on the lack of justification for something, implying it cannot be forgiven.

plainly preposterous

Emphasizes the foolish and nonsensical nature of something.

patently absurd

Highlights the ridiculousness of something, stressing its lack of sense or reason.

FAQs

How can I use "absolutely outrageous" in a sentence?

Use "absolutely outrageous" to express strong disapproval or shock. For example, "The decision to cut funding for schools is "absolutely outrageous"."

What are some alternatives to saying "absolutely outrageous"?

You can use alternatives like "utterly unacceptable", "downright appalling", or "simply inexcusable" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "absolutely outrageous" in formal writing?

While "absolutely outrageous" is widely understood, consider more formal alternatives like "wholly inappropriate" or "patently absurd" in academic or professional contexts to maintain a more neutral tone.

What's the difference between "absolutely outrageous" and "completely unacceptable"?

"Absolutely outrageous" conveys a stronger sense of shock and moral indignation, while "completely unacceptable" focuses more on the failure to meet standards or expectations. The former is more emotionally charged.