absurd prices

USAGE SUMMARY

'absurd prices' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase to describe something that is excessively high in price. For example: "They were charging absurd prices for the tickets to the concert."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Get two unprofitable ones trading at absurd prices.

The New York Times

Courtesy of the market panic, you get to increase exposure at absurd prices.

The Washington Post

SA's reliance on wind and solar power is responsible for these absurd prices.

The Guardian - Opinion

Car hire firms make their profits by selling add-ons, at frequently absurd prices.

The Guardian - Money

They are enjoying winter sunshine at absurd prices: under £400, including flights, for a week's package holiday in one of the great hubs of antiquity.

Independent

The selection has never been good at Yankee Stadium, where you were lucky to find a Guinness Stout among the mass-market brands sold at absurd prices.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

So I wonder, how could this absurd price happen?

The New York Times

This is a palpably absurd price – and for once we can say that with certainty.

The Guardian - Arts

Since there are no issues of principle at stake for the university, it seems like an absurd price to pay".

The New York Times

"The market rate for me as a CEO compared to a regular person was ridiculous, it's absurd," Price said.

The Guardian - Opinion

If a brokerage firm sent an order to an exchange that executed it at an absurd price, then that firm did not live up to its obligations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "absurd prices" when you want to convey not just that prices are high, but that they defy logic or reason. The phrase often carries a tone of disbelief or indignation.

Common error

Avoid using "absurd prices" when simply describing expensive items without an element of irrationality or unusual circumstances. Opt for "high prices" or "expensive prices" instead when there isn't an implication of nonsensical or illogical pricing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absurd prices" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "absurd" modifies the noun "prices". As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct. Examples show it describes costs that defy reason.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "absurd prices" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe prices that are excessively high and defy logic. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, expressing disapproval or disbelief regarding costs. While there are several alternatives like "unreasonable prices" and "outrageous prices", "absurd prices" specifically emphasizes the irrationality of the price point. When writing, use this phrase when you want to convey not just high prices, but prices that lack any reasonable justification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unreasonable prices

Emphasizes the lack of justification for the price.

outrageous prices

Highlights the shocking or offensive nature of the price.

ridiculous prices

Focuses on the ludicrous or laughable aspect of the price.

exorbitant prices

Indicates prices that are excessively high and difficult to afford.

preposterous prices

Stresses the absurdity and unreasonableness of the price.

excessive prices

Simply points out that the prices are higher than necessary or reasonable.

inflated prices

Suggests that the prices have been artificially increased.

unconscionable prices

Emphasizes the unethical or immoral nature of the high prices.

crazy prices

Implies the prices are irrational or beyond comprehension.

astronomical prices

Highlights the extremely high level of the prices, comparing them to astronomical figures.

FAQs

How can I use "absurd prices" in a sentence?

You can use "absurd prices" to describe situations where the cost of something is unreasonably high, such as "The car rental company was charging "absurd prices" during the holiday weekend".

What's a less formal way to say "absurd prices"?

Less formal alternatives to "absurd prices" include "crazy prices" or "ridiculous prices". These options maintain the sense of disbelief but in a more casual tone.

What are some synonyms for "absurd prices" that I can use in my writing?

Synonyms for "absurd prices" include "unreasonable prices", "outrageous prices", or "exorbitant prices", which all convey the idea of prices being excessively high or unfair.

When is it appropriate to use the term "absurd prices"?

It's appropriate to use "absurd prices" when you want to emphasize not just that something is expensive, but that the price is illogical or nonsensical, often provoking disbelief or anger. For instance, "The airline's "absurd prices" for baggage were clearly a way to exploit travelers".