grotesque prices

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grotesque prices" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe prices that are excessively high or outrageous, often evoking a strong emotional reaction. Example: "I was shocked to see the grotesque prices at that luxury boutique; I could never justify spending so much on a single item."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

For instance, under the Clintons' guidance, drug companies work with the foundation to knock down their prices in Africa (conveniently avoiding the real solution: changing the system of patenting that allows them to charge such grotesque prices to the poor in the first place).

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Then as now, the art world was one of the best places to observe this excess: "Just as today, the prices of fashionable 'fine' art were fantastically inflated: ancient Rome, it seems, had its equivalents to the hysterical, grotesque pricing of Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Jasper Johns.

The New Yorker

Those born from the early 1980s onwards are faced with soaring rents, unattainable property prices, grotesque fees for further education, high unemployment, and a ban on NOS.

Vice

Those born from the early 1980s onwards are faced with soaring rents, unattainable property prices, grotesque fees for further education, high unemployment and a ban on NOS.

Vice

This grotesque wealth comes at a price.

Huffington Post

Pictures of grotesque injury and dead kids, high prices, illegal to advertise, illegal to display, a kind of widespread cultural badmouthing and excision from most media have made a greater difference than perhaps we once thought it would.

Vice

Daughters who were considered by themselves or their mothers to be as capable as boys risked paying a heavy price as more or less grotesque social misfits.

The Guardian - Books

Please respect it by immediately removing the grotesque architectural crime you call a house!!!!" Price also tipped me about Aaron Crow, who got a ticket Aug. 15 for parking next to Geffen's house on Pacific Coast Highway.

Los Angeles Times

"Some look only about rarity and some are systematic and collect only one kind of mineral," he added, pointing to the prize display in his booth, a grotesque group of naturally occurring "threads" of Saxon silver, found in an old German collection and dauntingly priced at about $58,000 each.

The New York Times

"Juxtapozed with U" addresses social injustice and is about "house prices going up, and people being left behind by the super rich" and has been described by Rhys as "grotesque in its upness and lift".

Wikipedia

Grotesque fractures.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "grotesque prices", ensure the context clearly illustrates an extreme level of overpricing that is almost offensive or shocking. This term is best suited for situations where the pricing feels exploitative or deeply unfair.

Common error

Avoid using "grotesque prices" to describe slightly high or merely expensive items. This term carries a strong connotation of extreme and almost immoral overpricing; using it in mild situations dilutes its impact and appears hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grotesque prices" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "grotesque" intensifies the noun "prices". It serves to emphasize the extreme and often morally objectionable nature of the cost, according to Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grotesque prices" is a phrase used to describe prices that are excessively high and morally objectionable. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase functions as a noun phrase with an adjective intensifier, expressing disapproval or outrage. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a slightly formal register. While the phrase is grammatically correct, it is relatively rare. When using "grotesque prices", ensure the context supports the strong connotation of extreme and unfair pricing. Alternatives include "exorbitant prices" or "outrageous prices" depending on the nuances to be emphasized.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exorbitant prices

Focuses on the excessive amount, suggesting prices are beyond what is reasonable or justifiable.

outrageous prices

Emphasizes the shocking and offensive nature of the prices.

unconscionable prices

Highlights the unethical or morally wrong aspect of the high prices.

sky-high prices

Uses a metaphor to indicate extremely high levels.

astronomical prices

Implies prices are so high they are comparable to the vast distances in space.

excessive prices

Directly states that the prices are beyond what is normal or acceptable.

inflated prices

Suggests prices have been artificially increased, often beyond their true value.

ridiculous prices

Focuses on the absurdity of the high prices.

unreasonable prices

Indicates that the prices lack a logical or fair basis.

preposterous prices

Highlights the utter foolishness and lack of reason in the prices.

FAQs

What does "grotesque prices" mean?

The term "grotesque prices" describes prices that are excessively high, outrageous, and often seen as exploitative or immoral due to their extreme nature.

How can I use "grotesque prices" in a sentence?

You can use "grotesque prices" to describe situations where the cost of something is shockingly high. For example, "I was appalled by the grotesque prices they were charging for bottled water at the concert."

What are some alternatives to saying "grotesque prices"?

Alternatives to "grotesque prices" include "exorbitant prices", "outrageous prices", or "unconscionable prices", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the term "grotesque prices"?

It's appropriate to use "grotesque prices" when you want to emphasize the extreme and almost offensive nature of the pricing, suggesting it's not just expensive but morally questionable. Save the term for situations where the price seems completely unjustifiable.