astronomically expensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "astronomically expensive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is extremely costly or overpriced, often in a hyperbolic manner. Example: "The new smartphone model is astronomically expensive, making it unaffordable for most consumers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was often astronomically expensive.

The Guardian - Opinion

"That could get astronomically expensive".

The New Yorker

Sushi is hugely popular in Ibiza, and also astronomically expensive.

The Guardian - Travel

But hotels in ski resorts can be astronomically expensive.

The Guardian - Travel

And competition for big, alluring spaces is stiff (read: astronomically expensive).

The New York Times

And what if the best treatment for your disease is an astronomically expensive drug?

The New York Times - Health

To paraphrase Lady Bracknell, to misplace one astronomically expensive centre-forward could be considered an accident.

The Guardian - Sport

Much of the astronomically expensive specialist 'advice' was copied from existing books for other clients.

The Guardian - Opinion

But petrol and diesel are now so astronomically expensive, it is COSTING the government money.

The Guardian

Astronomically expensive by local standards, the clothes she sold dressed the wives and girlfriends of the country's emerging elite.

The New York Times

However, at Dior the couture is vaunted as the house's essence absolue: astronomically expensive, but undiluted and pure.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "astronomically expensive" with specific figures or comparisons to provide context and highlight just how high the cost is in relation to something else.

Common error

Avoid using "astronomically expensive" in very casual conversations. Opt for simpler terms like "very expensive" or "too pricey" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "astronomically expensive" primarily functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase. It intensifies the adjective "expensive", indicating an extreme degree of cost. Ludwig's examples show it describing items, services, or situations that are perceived as exceptionally overpriced.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

9%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "astronomically expensive" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase to describe something that is extremely costly. Ludwig provides several examples from reliable sources that span across various contexts, including news and media, science, and general discussions. The phrase serves to emphasize the high cost, often with a tone of disapproval or surprise. While the phrase is widely understood, be mindful of the context and audience, opting for simpler terms in very informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prohibitively expensive

Emphasizes that the cost is so high it prevents purchase or participation.

exorbitantly priced

Highlights the excessive and unreasonable nature of the price.

incredibly costly

Stresses the high level of expense involved.

excessively expensive

Focuses on the price being beyond what is reasonable or necessary.

outrageously priced

Suggests the price is shockingly high and unfair.

eye-wateringly expensive

Uses a vivid image to describe the extreme cost.

unfeasibly expensive

Implies the cost makes the item or service impractical.

rip-off price

Conveys the idea that the price represents unfair value.

overpriced

A general term indicating the price is too high for the value offered.

unaffordable

Simply states that the price is beyond one's ability to pay.

FAQs

How can I use "astronomically expensive" in a sentence?

You can use "astronomically expensive" to describe items or services that are extremely costly. For instance, "The cost of living in that city is "astronomically expensive"."

What are some alternatives to "astronomically expensive"?

Some alternatives include "prohibitively expensive", "exorbitantly priced", or simply "very expensive", depending on the desired level of emphasis.

Is it correct to say something is "astronomically costly"?

While "astronomically costly" is similar in meaning, ""astronomically expensive"" is the more common and widely accepted phrase.

What's the difference between "astronomically expensive" and "expensive"?

"Expensive" simply means costing a lot of money. "Astronomically expensive" is a hyperbole, implying the cost is exceptionally and almost unbelievably high.