outrageous cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "outrageous cost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a price or expense that is excessively high or unreasonable. Example: "The outrageous cost of the concert tickets left many fans unable to attend the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"I will have no sympathy for outrageous cost estimates," he said.

The Guardian

What about the outrageous cost of our health care system and the 45 million uninsured Americans?

The New York Times

"It's an outrageous cost to taxpayers," said John L. Mica, a Florida Republican and chairman of the House committee.

The New York Times

The prolonged conventional approaches of drug screening and vaccine designing prerequisite patience, vigorous effort, outrageous cost as well as additional manpower.

Advances in Protein Chemistry and Structural Biology

But thanks to inquiries by Representative Alan Grayson, a Florida Democrat, we do know of another, simply outrageous cost.

The New York Times

Part of the outrageous cost has something to do with the look of the place, I think.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

However, it only skimmed over what will surely be the greatest impediment to bringing new treatments to patients -- outrageous costs.

The New York Times

We've been duped into believing that without outrageous costs and profits, medical progress would grind to a standstill.

The New York Times

Recent editorials in the New York tabloids objecting to the toll increases nevertheless tiptoed gingerly around the outrageous costs of 1 World Trade Center.

The New York Times

The juvenile facilities had been mired in controversy for years, due to outrageous costs and allegations of mistreatment of the kids who ended up there.

The Guardian - Opinion

But, because of our proximity to Manhattan with its outrageous costs, the value of our co-op apartment has more than doubled since the fall of 1997 when we moved here.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "outrageous cost" when you want to express strong disapproval or shock at how expensive something is. This phrase is suitable for situations where the cost seems completely unjustified or exploitative.

Common error

While "outrageous cost" effectively conveys strong disapproval, avoid using it too frequently in the same piece of writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound overly dramatic. Instead, consider varying your vocabulary with alternatives like "exorbitant price" or "excessive expense".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outrageous cost" functions primarily as a noun phrase that is modified by the adjective "outrageous". Ludwig AI's analysis confirms that it effectively describes a cost that is considered unacceptably high or shocking.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

18%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "outrageous cost" is a common and effective way to express strong disapproval of an expense considered excessively high. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using this phrase, remember to consider the audience and context to ensure your message is clear and impactful. While other alternatives like "exorbitant price" and "excessive expense" exist, "outrageous cost" carries a stronger emotional charge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exorbitant price

Focuses on the price being unreasonably high.

excessive expense

Highlights that the expense goes beyond what is normal or acceptable.

prohibitive cost

Emphasizes that the cost is so high that it prevents people from purchasing or participating.

unconscionable charge

Suggests the charge is so high it's morally wrong.

unreasonable fee

Specifically points out that a fee is not justified or fair.

ruinous cost

Emphasizes that the cost is so high it could lead to ruin.

sky-high price

Uses a more informal and vivid description of a very high price.

astronomical expense

Implies that the expense is extremely large, like the distances in astronomy.

highway robbery

An idiom suggesting the price is akin to being robbed.

rip-off

A very informal term for something overpriced.

FAQs

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

You can use "outrageous cost" to describe something that is excessively expensive. For example: "The "outrageous cost" of healthcare in the US is a major concern."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "outrageous cost"?

Alternatives include "exorbitant price", "excessive expense", or "prohibitive cost", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "outrageous cost" or "outrageous price"?

Both "outrageous cost" and "outrageous price" are correct and commonly used. The choice between them depends on whether you want to emphasize the general expense (cost) or the specific monetary value (price).

What makes a cost "outrageous"?

A cost is considered "outrageous" when it is perceived as shockingly high, unreasonable, or exploitative, often exceeding what is considered fair or justifiable for a particular product or service.