laughable prices

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "laughable prices" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe prices that are so low that they seem ridiculous or unbelievable, often implying that they are too good to be true. Example: "The store is having a clearance sale with laughable prices on all summer clothing, making it hard to resist buying more than I need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

French winemakers were desperate for cash, and Mr. Zraly was able to get great wines at laughable prices.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Last March, Robertson Stephens issued a report on ICG, setting what now seems like a laughable $250 price target.

Forbes

Gas prices were laughable.

The Guardian - Film

It lacks Thunderbolt connectivity and ships with laughable specs for the price.

TechCrunch

Speaker Pelosi called the expansive power for Treasury Secretary Paulson laid out by the bailout plan "almost laughable"; she questioned the price tag and time frame of the bailout; and she claimed President Bush ought to have given the American people an apology for his bankrupt economic policies during his nationally televised speech last night.   .

Huffington Post

Yet to many Americans, the idea of ongoing deflation in everyday prices may sound laughable given the cost of food, healthcare, tuition and other goods and services in recent years while wages have stagnated.

Los Angeles Times

The asking price is a laughable €300,000.

The New York Times

A telephone bidder carried off the gem for a laughable £2,500 after battling against the reserve price.

The New York Times - Arts

Clegg's argument that the problem with trebling tuition fees was a matter of presentation, not policy, would be laughable if I did not have so many constituents' children now priced out of ever going to university.

The Guardian - Opinion

And even if domestic production could make a dent in gas prices, Big Oil's growing exportation of domestic supplies makes their energy independence promise laughable.

Huffington Post

A typically laughable result: a Chrysler minivan bearing at least 725 kilograms of batteries and a $120,000 price tag.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "laughable prices" to add a touch of humor or irony when describing unexpectedly low costs. It's effective in marketing contexts to emphasize affordability.

Common error

Avoid using "laughable prices" in serious or formal contexts where humor is inappropriate. The phrase can undermine the credibility of your message if not used judiciously.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "laughable prices" functions as a descriptive phrase, where the adjective "laughable" modifies the noun "prices". As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase implies that the prices are so low as to be considered ridiculous or unbelievable. Examples show its usage in news and media.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "laughable prices" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to describe prices that are remarkably low. As Ludwig AI explains, it suggests that costs are so cheap that they appear almost ridiculous. While found mainly in News & Media contexts, care should be taken to ensure it aligns with the intended tone. Alternatives such as "ridiculously low prices" or "absurdly cheap prices" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ridiculously low prices

Emphasizes the extent to which the prices are low, suggesting they are almost unbelievable.

absurdly cheap prices

Highlights the extreme cheapness of the prices, implying they defy logic.

unbelievably low prices

Focuses on the surprising and hard-to-believe nature of the low prices.

incredibly cheap prices

Stresses the high degree of cheapness, making the prices seem exceptionally appealing.

dirt cheap prices

An informal way to say prices are extremely low.

bargain basement prices

Indicates prices that are as low as those found in a bargain basement, typically associated with clearance or discount items.

giveaway prices

Suggests the prices are so low that items are practically being given away.

rock bottom prices

Implies the prices are at their lowest possible level.

unheard-of prices

Highlights the unusual nature of the low prices, suggesting they are rare or exceptional.

throwaway prices

Indicates that prices are so low, it's like the items are being discarded or thrown away.

FAQs

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

You can use "laughable prices" to describe costs so low they're almost unbelievable. For example, "The clearance sale offered "laughable prices" on winter coats."

What are some alternatives to "laughable prices"?

Alternatives include "ridiculously low prices", "absurdly cheap prices", or "unbelievably low prices". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "laughable prices"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize how surprisingly inexpensive something is, often with a hint of humor or irony. Avoid using it in formal or serious contexts where such a tone would be unsuitable.

Is "laughable prices" grammatically correct?

Yes, "laughable prices" is grammatically correct. It uses the adjective "laughable" to describe the noun "prices", forming a descriptive phrase.