an exorbitant fee

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an exorbitant fee" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a fee that is unreasonably high or excessive, often in contexts related to services or charges. Example: "The hotel charged an exorbitant fee for a single night's stay, leaving many guests shocked."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

I paid the guy an exorbitant fee.

The New York Times

Our families, should they choose to accept, can pay an exorbitant fee to attend.

The New York Times

The doctor then demanded an exorbitant fee for the medical report.

The New York Times

CHEAP DATE Remember when asking someone out didn't involve your computer or an exorbitant fee?

The New York Times

Insurers will no longer be allowed to refuse to cover an individual because he is not healthy, or to charge him an exorbitant fee.

The Economist

"It is unrealistic to expect a migrant worker, whose salaries most often are low, to pay such an exorbitant fee," said Nora Murat, Amnesty Malaysia's executive director.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

For one, Dr. Sachs significantly reduced his exorbitant fee as an inducement to the patient to schedule her surgery.

The New York Times

In return, the bureau claims, the auditors received an "exorbitant audit fee".

The New York Times

The sky isn't charging me an exorbitant monthly fee to look at it.

The New Yorker

In return, the bureau claims, the auditors received an "exorbitant audit fee" over and above the market rate.

The New York Times

Nigerians also suffer from a common practice known as "tossing the line" in which telephone engineers cut a line and then ask for an exorbitant reconnection fee.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an exorbitant fee", ensure the context clearly indicates why the fee is considered excessively high. Provide specifics if possible.

Common error

Avoid using "an exorbitant fee" when the cost, though high, is justifiable due to the value, quality, or scarcity of the service or product. Ensure the fee is genuinely disproportionate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an exorbitant fee" functions as a noun phrase, where "exorbitant" modifies the noun "fee". It describes the characteristic of the fee, emphasizing that it is excessively high. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is perfectly correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an exorbitant fee" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a cost that is considered unreasonably high. As Ludwig AI points out, its usage is appropriate across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. The phrase functions as a noun phrase with "exorbitant" modifying "fee", and its primary purpose is to express disapproval of a specific cost. Related phrases include "an excessive charge" and "a steep price". When using this phrase, ensure the context justifies the assertion that the fee is indeed disproportionate. Avoid using it when the high cost is due to justifiable factors such as high value or scarcity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an excessive charge

Replaces 'fee' with 'charge', implying a more general cost.

a steep price

Uses a more metaphorical term ('price') to denote the high cost.

an outrageous cost

Emphasizes the unacceptability of the high cost.

a sky-high rate

Uses a more informal and emphatic way to describe a high rate.

an inflated price

Suggests the price has been artificially increased.

a prohibitive expense

Indicates the cost is so high it prevents someone from purchasing.

an unreasonable surcharge

Specifies that the high cost is an additional charge.

a punishing tariff

Suggests the high cost is a form of penalty.

a hefty premium

Implies a large additional payment for superior service or product.

a ruinous sum

Emphasizes that the cost could lead to financial devastation.

FAQs

What does "an exorbitant fee" mean?

The phrase "an exorbitant fee" refers to a fee that is unreasonably high or excessive. It suggests the cost is much greater than what is considered fair or justifiable for the service or product provided.

When is it appropriate to use the term "an exorbitant fee"?

Use "an exorbitant fee" when you want to emphasize that a charge is unfairly or unreasonably high. For example, you might say a hospital charged an exorbitant fee for a simple procedure.

What are some alternative ways to say "an exorbitant fee"?

You can use alternatives like "an excessive charge", "a steep price", or "an outrageous cost" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "an exorbitant fee" and "an expensive fee"?

While both phrases indicate a high cost, "an exorbitant fee" implies the cost is unfairly or unreasonably high, whereas "an expensive fee" simply means the cost is high relative to other options.