an unbearable cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unbearable cost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a price or consequence that is too high to accept or endure. Example: "The decision to move forward with the project came with an unbearable cost, both financially and emotionally."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"It's an unbearable cost for the industry, and it's unsustainable," he added.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Is holding on to a taboo worth this unbearable cost?

Huffington Post

Coogler's preternaturally mature sense of vast experience gained rapidly at almost unbearable cost is both the artistic power that he brings to the movie and its very subject.

The New Yorker

Removing debt held by private holders and replacing it with strict obligations to the EFSF could make an eventual restructuring harder, should that prove unavoidable.Whereas excessive public debt in Greece has arisen from years of public profligacy, Ireland's problem has been made acute by the unbearable cost of propping up its oversized and undercapitalised banks.

The Economist

Saving your friendship should never come at unbearable cost like your and the other person's health and morale or those of the people you two care about.

WikiHow

A full-page article in the New York Times on the unbearable costs of preventing unbearable damage to the subway and other underground systems as the waters rise.

Huffington Post

A collapse of the regime, followed by reunification, would impose unbearable costs on the South.

The Economist

Scarcely populated regions impose unbearable costs on farmers, which undermine the economic feasibility of desalination even further.

The New York Times

Chris Smallwood, chairman of the London Pedicab Operators Association and boss of Bugbugs, a 60-strong pedicab firm, says treating pedicabs like black cabs would impose unbearable costs on the industry.

The Economist

Once entitlements are on the books, it is almost impossible to get rid of them even after their unbearable costs are apparent.

Forbes

Burning fossil fuels has a cost — perhaps an unbearable one.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an unbearable cost", ensure the context clearly establishes what makes the cost unbearable. Providing specific details about the consequences or burdens associated with the cost will enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "an unbearable cost" when the cost, while significant, is not truly beyond the capacity to endure. Overusing such strong language can weaken its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unbearable cost" functions as a noun phrase, where "unbearable" modifies the noun "cost". It typically serves as a subject complement or object in a sentence, indicating something has a price or consequence that is excessively high or difficult to endure. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an unbearable cost" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a price or consequence that is excessively high and difficult to endure. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans across various contexts, including news, business and more general writing. While not exceptionally frequent, its presence in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Economist validates its place in formal and professional communications. When employing this phrase, aim for precision and context, ensuring that the situation truly warrants such a strong descriptor. Also remember some alternatives like "an excessive price", "a prohibitive expense", or "an unsustainable burden".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an excessive price

Focuses more directly on the monetary aspect of the cost.

a prohibitive expense

Emphasizes the limiting or preventing nature of the cost.

an unsustainable burden

Highlights the inability to maintain or support the cost over time.

an intolerable burden

Focuses on the unacceptability of the burden imposed.

a crippling expense

Emphasizes the damaging or debilitating effect of the cost.

an overwhelming sacrifice

Highlights the significant loss or compromise involved.

a devastating toll

Focuses on the destructive impact of the cost.

an extreme sacrifice

Highlights the unusualness of the sacrifice

a ruinous cost

Highlights the potentially damaging effect of the cost.

a deal breaker

Focuses on the cost being the factor that ends a negotiation.

FAQs

How can I use "an unbearable cost" in a sentence?

You can use "an unbearable cost" to describe a situation where the price or consequences of something are too high to accept or endure. For example: "The environmental damage from the oil spill represented "an unbearable cost" to the local ecosystem."

What are some alternatives to "an unbearable cost"?

Some alternatives include "an excessive price", "a prohibitive expense", or "an unsustainable burden". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "an unbearable cost" in formal writing?

Yes, "an unbearable cost" can be used in formal writing, but it's important to ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of the piece. Consider the impact and whether a more nuanced phrase might be more effective.

What makes "an unbearable cost" different from "a high cost"?

"An unbearable cost" implies that the cost is not only high but also beyond the capacity to endure or accept, whereas "a high cost" simply indicates that the price is significant.