extravagant cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extravagant cost" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a cost that is unusually high, or one that is far greater than usual. For example, "The renovation ended up costing us an extravagant price, far more expensive than we could have ever expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Despite enormous scientific doubts about the workability of antimissile devices, and extravagant cost, Americans have liked the dream of an invulnerable shield since President Reagan floated it.

The New York Times

Flashes of sorrow and reminiscence collide with nosy curiosity about the will, the debts, custody battles, family entanglements and even the extravagant cost of the ceremony.

The New York Times

That's the four-million-dollar question - the extravagant cost of the production - making the rounds as director Rupert Goold prepares for the start of New York performances for his London hit on 8 April, this time with a fully American cast.

The Guardian

The change was successful but with an extravagant cost for almost all the economic and financial sectors in the country including the banking sector.

Financial Innovation

In spite of the protests over gay rights, threats of terrorism and complaints about the extravagant cost ($51 billion or the cost of all of the prior Olympic winter games combined), the Sochi Olympics will celebrate what is at the heart of the Olympic movement itself -- the capacity of the human spirit to transcend seemingly insurmountable physical and social barriers.

Huffington Post

If you find this beef Wellington recipe a little too extravagant, cost savings can be made by substituting the pâté de foie gras with a smooth chicken liver pâté.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Though robotic missions are easier to achieve, the X Prize competitors still face formidable challenges, not to mention extravagant costs.

The New York Times

"It evoked reckless gambles for resurrection among rescued firms and created uncertainty about who would finally bear the extravagant costs of these programs.

The New York Times

"What [Ceder and Kang have] done is to really improve the performance of the material without extravagant costs," says Kurt van de Putte, a business manager at Umicorp.

Forbes

Investors are well served: Bond Plus, without extravagant costs, makes shrewd and contrarian trades that build steady returns without wild moves into risky securities.

Forbes

A former EPA speechwriter, Montessori school director and technology consultant, Gettman was appalled by the extravagant costs of traditional publishing: outlandish advances for iffy titles, hefty warehousing and advertising expenses, generous return policies for retail chains.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "extravagant cost" to convey that an expense is not only high but also wasteful or unnecessary. Consider the context to ensure this nuance is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "extravagant cost" simply to mean 'expensive'. The term implies a level of excess or wastefulness beyond just high price. Use alternatives like "high price" or "considerable expense" if the excess is not implied.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extravagant cost" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "extravagant" modifies the noun "cost". It describes the nature of the cost as being excessive or wasteful. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "extravagant cost" is a valid and usable English expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. It describes an expense that is not just high but also wasteful or unnecessary. While grammatically correct, its usage is relatively uncommon and often appears in news and media contexts. When writing, remember that using "extravagant cost" implies more than just a high price; it suggests excess and potentially poor financial judgment. If you only wish to convey high cost, consider neutral alternatives like "high price" or "significant expense".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exorbitant price

Emphasizes the price being unreasonably high.

excessive expenditure

Focuses on the spending being more than necessary.

prohibitive expense

Highlights that the cost prevents purchase or action.

inflated valuation

Suggests an overestimation of worth, resulting in high cost.

unreasonable charge

Points out the unfairness of the high cost.

astronomical sum

Implies the cost is extremely large, similar to astronomical numbers.

premium rate

Suggests a higher price due to exclusivity or superior quality.

onerous fee

Indicates a burdensome or oppressive cost.

high-end price tag

Focuses on the high price associated with luxury or high-quality goods.

substantial outlay

Highlights the significant amount of money spent.

FAQs

What does "extravagant cost" mean?

The phrase "extravagant cost" refers to an expense that is excessively high and often implies wastefulness or unnecessary spending.

When is it appropriate to use the term "extravagant cost"?

Use "extravagant cost" when you want to emphasize that something is not just expensive but also represents an excessive or wasteful expenditure. For a less judgmental phrasing, alternatives like "high cost" or "significant expense" may be more suitable.

What are some alternatives to "extravagant cost"?

Alternatives include "exorbitant price", "excessive expenditure", or "prohibitive expense", depending on the specific aspect of the high cost you wish to emphasize.

Is "extravagant cost" formal or informal?

"Extravagant cost" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's more common in news, media and general discussions. In highly formal business settings, consider more neutral terms like "substantial investment" or "significant outlay".