astronomical price

USAGE SUMMARY

"astronomical price" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used when describing a price that is extremely high or unreasonable. Example: "The new luxury car came with an astronomical price tag of $500,000, which was out of reach for most consumers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

An astronomical price for the racecar would surprise no one.

The New York Times

Just half a dozen holiday-makers have reached orbit since then, for similarly astronomical price tags.

The Economist

But given their astronomical price, they are hardly an impulse purchase.

The Economist

It barely exceeded the low estimate at $12.4 million — which, in fact, is an astronomical price.

The New York Times - Arts

Looking at the damaged piece, the best professionals could not have foreseen this astronomical price.

The New York Times - Arts

Could my family afford the astronomical price of $44,000 a year?

The New York Times

If we picked someone with an astronomical price tag, couldn't we be saddling our child with the greed gene?

The New York Times

And what crime has Shaker committed for which both he and his family are paying such an astronomical price?

The Guardian - Opinion

So when he tracked down its owner in 2009, he braced himself for an astronomical price tag, perhaps up to $1 million, and began to negotiate.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

He became known for instigating a style which drew on Balmain's couture heritage – plenty of embroidery, astronomical price-tags – but fusing it with rock-star influences.

Independent

Celgene, a $19 billion (market cap) biotech firm with two patented cancer drugs, is a speculative play with an astronomical price/earnings multiple because earnings are so skimpy.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "astronomical price" when you want to emphasize that a price is not just high, but exceptionally and perhaps unreasonably so. It adds a layer of exaggeration and often implies disbelief or shock.

Common error

While "astronomical price" is widely understood, it can sound slightly informal or hyperbolic in very formal or academic writing. Consider using more neutral terms like "very high price" or "excessive cost" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "astronomical price" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "astronomical" modifies the noun "price". It is used to emphasize the extremely high amount of something, as confirmed by Ludwig and its many examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "astronomical price" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an exceptionally high price, as confirmed by Ludwig. Predominantly found in News & Media, this expression serves to emphasize the exorbitant cost of something, often eliciting surprise or disbelief. While generally acceptable, using alternatives like "excessive cost" might be preferable in more formal contexts. To prevent overuse, remember that focusing on providing a contextual description is always better. Ludwig AI validates its wide acceptance and utility in diverse scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exorbitant price

This alternative emphasizes the unreasonableness of the price.

prohibitive price

This phrase indicates that the price is so high it prevents purchase.

sky-high price

This alternative uses a metaphor to describe a very high price.

extortionate price

This suggests the price is unfairly high, like extortion.

inflated price

This suggests the price is artificially increased.

excessive price

This directly states that the price is beyond what is reasonable.

unreasonable price

This emphasizes the lack of justification for the high cost.

outrageous price

This suggests the price is shocking and unacceptable.

steep price

This is a more concise way of saying the price is very high.

premium price

Implies a high price due to superior quality or exclusivity.

FAQs

How to use "astronomical price" in a sentence?

You can use "astronomical price" to describe something that is extremely expensive. For example, "The luxury apartment came with an "astronomical price" tag."

What can I say instead of "astronomical price"?

You can use alternatives like "exorbitant price", "prohibitive price", or "sky-high price" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "astronomical price" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, in highly formal or academic contexts, consider using alternatives such as "excessive cost" or "very high price" for a more neutral tone.

What makes a price "astronomical"?

A price is considered "astronomical" when it is perceived as extremely high, often exceeding reasonable expectations or typical market values. It suggests a price that is almost unbelievably high.