exorbitant cost

USAGE SUMMARY

"exorbitant cost" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is too expensive or that costs more than it should. Example: The exorbitant cost of the new technology is preventing us from being able to purchase it.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It wasn't the exorbitant cost of college.

The New York Times

Labour has improved it, if at exorbitant cost.

The Economist

This is an exorbitant cost for Europe to bear.

The New York Times

This is why Steve Wynn isn't shy about detailing the exorbitant cost of his hotels.

The New Yorker

Globalisation is also pushing up the already exorbitant cost of business education.

The Economist

Nassau County taxpayers demand accountability in return for the exorbitant cost of the Police Department.

The New York Times

Many physicians welcome alternatives for their patients to the exorbitant cost of facilities in the United States.

The Economist

A number of publications — including this one — have recently published big reports on the exorbitant cost of American health care.

The New York Times

A powerful single provider could negotiate reasonable drug prices, thus decreasing the exorbitant cost of prescription drugs.

The New York Times

The lesson, learned at an exorbitant cost, was that models are only as good as what is fed into them.

The Economist

He is assiduously shedding civil servants and wants to fix the procurement process to avoid exorbitant cost overruns.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exorbitant cost", ensure you provide context or comparison to highlight why the cost is considered excessive. For example, "The exorbitant cost of healthcare makes it inaccessible to many families."

Common error

Avoid using "exorbitant cost" when simply describing something expensive. "Exorbitant" implies the cost is unreasonably or unjustifiably high, not just generally pricey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exorbitant cost" functions as a noun phrase, where "exorbitant" is an adjective modifying the noun "cost". It identifies a specific type of cost, one that is considered excessively high or unreasonable. Ludwig provides examples of how this phrase is used in context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exorbitant cost" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe prices that are excessively high and unreasonable. According to Ludwig AI, its primary function is to express concern about high prices, and it's frequently used in news, media, and scientific contexts. When using the term, ensure the cost is genuinely unjustifiable to avoid misrepresentation. Alternatives include "excessive price" and "prohibitive cost". Remember that while "expensive" simply describes a high price, "exorbitant cost" suggests unfairness or excessiveness in the price.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessive price

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

inflated price

Suggests that the price has been artificially increased.

prohibitive cost

Indicates that the cost is so high it prevents purchase or action.

unreasonable expense

Emphasizes the lack of justification for the high cost.

astronomical price tag

Uses a metaphor to highlight the extremely high cost.

sky-high expenses

Emphasizes the height of the expenses, suggesting they are excessively high.

outrageous price

Highlights the shocking and unacceptable nature of the price.

crippling cost

Emphasizes the damaging or debilitating effect of the high cost.

exaggerated cost

Indicates that the cost is misrepresented as being higher than it actually is.

punitive expense

Suggests the expense is so high as to be like a punishment.

FAQs

How can I use "exorbitant cost" in a sentence?

You can use "exorbitant cost" to describe expenses that are unreasonably high. For example, "The "exorbitant cost" of housing in major cities is a growing concern."

What can I say instead of "exorbitant cost"?

You can use alternatives like "excessive price", "prohibitive cost", or "unreasonable expense" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "exorbitant cost" or "expensive cost"?

"Exorbitant cost" is more precise because it implies the cost is excessively high and unreasonable. "Expensive cost" is somewhat redundant, as "expensive" already implies a high cost.

What's the difference between "exorbitant cost" and "inflated price"?

"Exorbitant cost" refers to a cost that's unreasonably high, whereas "inflated price" suggests the price has been artificially increased, possibly beyond its true value. Therefore "inflated price" is more precise when there is an artificial increase.