exorbitant length

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exorbitant length" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is excessively long, such as a document, speech, or piece of writing. Example: "The report was criticized for its exorbitant length, making it difficult for readers to stay engaged."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

To begin with the central problem: the exorbitant length.

The Guardian - Books

You suggest that we clarify the Porsche situation.... " We learn, at exorbitant length, about the collapse of the author's first marriage and the coming of his second.

The New Yorker

In her ruling staying the charges, Judge Ann Nelson said she came to her decision because of the exorbitant length of time had violated the defendant's right to be tried in a reasonable time.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It became their most popular song, the crowd's enthusiasm sometimes prompting them to stretch it out to exorbitant lengths.

The Guardian - Music

For years, the Drug War has been used as a pretext to lock people in prison for exorbitant lengths of time -- people whose "crimes" never hurt another human being, people who already lived at the margins of society, whose voices were the faintest and whose power was the least.

Huffington Post

As beauty contests for so-called third-generation, or 3G, wireless licenses turned ugly and telecommunications stocks plunged in in 2001, the commission hinted that it could extend the lengths of the licenses to ease the financial burden on the companies that had paid exorbitant amounts for them.

The New York Times

The thrill was exorbitant.

Independent

And the costs are exorbitant.

Independent

Prices are often exorbitant.

The New York Times - Food

Ticket prices are exorbitant by Indian standards.

Independent

Fans have paid exorbitant prices for tickets.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exorbitant length" when you want to emphasize that something is excessively long and likely causing a problem or inconvenience. It is more impactful than simply stating something is "long".

Common error

Avoid using "exorbitant length" in informal or casual settings. The phrase carries a formal tone and is best suited for describing serious issues or criticisms in formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exorbitant length" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "exorbitant" modifies the noun "length". It is used to describe something that is excessively long. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, particularly in the context of criticism or disapproval.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exorbitant length" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe something that is excessively long, usually in a negative context. As Ludwig AI points out, it is suitable for formal writing, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "excessive length" or "unreasonable length" exist, "exorbitant length" carries a stronger sense of disapproval. This phrase is rarely used, but when it is, it adds emphasis to the problematic nature of the length being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessive duration

Replaces "length" with "duration", focusing on the time aspect.

extreme lengthiness

Uses a more descriptive noun to emphasize the excessive quality.

inordinate duration

Replaces "exorbitant" with "inordinate", suggesting an exceeding of reasonable limits.

unreasonable length

Directly states that the length is not reasonable.

undue length

Similar to "unreasonable", but with a slightly more formal tone.

prolonged length

Emphasizes that the length has been extended longer than necessary.

excessive extent

Replaces "length" with "extent", focusing on the scope or range.

overextended length

Implies that the length has been stretched out too much.

disproportionate length

Highlights that the length is not in proportion to something else.

needlessly lengthy

Directly criticizes the length as being longer than is needed or useful.

FAQs

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

You can use "exorbitant length" to describe documents, reports, or even periods of time that are excessively long. For example, "The report was criticized for its "exorbitant length", making it difficult to digest the key findings."

What's a simpler way to say "exorbitant length"?

If you want a less formal alternative, consider using "excessive length" or "unreasonable length". These options convey a similar meaning without the strong negative connotation of "exorbitant."

Is it always negative to describe something as having "exorbitant length"?

Yes, using "exorbitant length" typically implies a negative judgment. It suggests that the length is not only excessive but also problematic or unnecessary.

What is the difference between ""exorbitant length"" and "considerable length"?

"Considerable length" simply indicates that something is quite long, without necessarily implying a negative view. "Exorbitant length", on the other hand, suggests that the length is excessive and unwarranted.