cripplingly expensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cripplingly expensive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is prohibitively costly, making it difficult for someone to afford. Example: "The new medical treatment is cripplingly expensive, leaving many patients unable to access the care they need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Postal surveys have low response rates, and in-person telephone polls are cripplingly expensive to do.

The Economist

Instead, their limited voluntary severance packages, typically offering two to three years' pay, are cripplingly expensive.

The Economist

This is cripplingly expensive: Britain has just invested a wildly over-budget £1.25bn in rebuilding Cheltenham.

The Guardian

That may be possible, but it could also be cripplingly expensive.

MIT Technology Review

There's nothing funny about the national broadband network turning into a cripplingly expensive white elephant.

The Guardian

Not only is this cripplingly expensive, but there are fears that ya baa may feed all kinds of other social ills.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Now, in a move to bridge the gap between "free" and "cripplingly-expensive-for-the-comedian" paid-for shows, Heroes is trying a "pay-what-you-want", reserve-in-advance scheme.

The Guardian

Denmark is ranked as the EU's most expensive country to live in, and its inhabitants pay cripplingly high taxes.

Independent

I was a cripplingly shy child.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He is intellectually curious but cripplingly indecisive.

The Economist

Mr Cameron should feel cripplingly embarrassed.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cripplingly expensive", consider the audience and context. It is best suited for situations where you want to emphasize the severe financial burden or limitation imposed by the high cost.

Common error

Avoid using "cripplingly expensive" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "very expensive" or "too pricey" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cripplingly expensive" functions as an intensifier modifying an adjective. It emphasizes the degree to which something is expensive, indicating that the cost is so high as to be severely limiting or damaging. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cripplingly expensive" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that describes something extremely costly. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to highlight situations where the high cost severely limits accessibility or causes significant financial burden. While the phrase can be used in various contexts, it is most common in news, media, and business settings. If you need an alternative, consider "prohibitively expensive" or "exorbitantly priced". Its effectiveness lies in its ability to emphasize the debilitating impact of high costs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prohibitively expensive

This alternative focuses on the deterrent effect of the cost, emphasizing that it prevents purchase or action.

exorbitantly priced

This suggests that the price is far beyond what is reasonable or justifiable.

astronomically costly

This alternative emphasizes the immense and almost unbelievable level of expense.

unbearably costly

This phrase highlights the difficulty or impossibility of bearing the expense.

ruinously expensive

This suggests that the expense could lead to financial ruin or severe hardship.

excessively high-priced

This alternative directly states that the price is beyond what is acceptable or normal.

incredibly overpriced

This indicates that the item or service is priced far higher than its actual value.

outrageously expensive

This alternative conveys a sense of shock or anger at the high price.

painfully expensive

This emphasizes the unpleasantness or difficulty associated with affording the expense.

unaffordably expensive

This alternative directly states that the cost is beyond someone's ability to pay.

FAQs

What does "cripplingly expensive" mean?

The phrase "cripplingly expensive" describes something that is so costly that it severely limits or prevents someone's ability to afford it or engage with it. It suggests a debilitating financial burden.

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

You can use "cripplingly expensive" to describe various situations. For example: "The new cancer treatment is "prohibitively expensive" for many patients" or "Maintaining a global brand can be "unbearably costly" for start-ups".

What are some alternatives to "cripplingly expensive"?

Alternatives include "prohibitively expensive", "exorbitantly priced", or "astronomically costly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "cripplingly expensive" a formal or informal expression?

"Cripplingly expensive" leans towards the formal side. While understandable in informal settings, it is more commonly found in news articles, business reports, and academic writing where a strong emphasis on the burdensome cost is needed.