outrageous estimate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "outrageous estimate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an estimate that is excessively high or unreasonable, often in a context where one is expressing disbelief or criticism. Example: "The contractor's outrageous estimate for the renovation left us shocked and reconsidering our options."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Peter Biskind, the biographer behind "Star: How Warren Beatty Seduced America," makes the outrageous estimate that Beatty — a man already known for his, um, conquests — has slept with 12,775 women in his lifetime.

The New Yorker

By Thessaly La Force January 4, 2010 Peter Biskind, the biographer behind "Star: How Warren Beatty Seduced America," makes the outrageous estimate that Beatty — a man already known for his, um, conquests — has slept with 12,775 women in his lifetime.

The New Yorker

Seven years after the original find he sent the T. rex to Sotheby's the fossilized bones still in their plaster field jackets where Sue was given the seemingly outrageous estimate of $1 million.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The Outrageous Idea of Christian Scholarship.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

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

The Guardian

Patrick Alt, a photographer, said that he believed that Adams did create the negatives but that he found Mr. Streets's appraisal estimate "outrageous".

The New York Times - Arts

Dr. David Michaels, the assistant secretary for environment and health of the Energy Department, said that such estimates were "outrageous exaggerations".

The New York Times

He turned out to be a master of the "new media," using it to bypass newspapers and television, or using his outrageous statements to garner an estimated $2 billion worth of free press.

Huffington Post

HTC CEO Peter Chou has now rebutted the estimate, describing it as "outrageous", according to Reuters.

TechCrunch

Well, said Dr. Bach, who considers himself a friend, Dr. Henschke's estimate that CT screening could reduce deaths by 80percentt is "an outrageous and implausible claim".

The New York Times - Health

Just outrageous".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "outrageous estimate", ensure that the context clearly establishes why the estimate is considered unreasonable. Provide specific details or comparisons to justify the use of such a strong adjective.

Common error

Avoid labeling an estimate as "outrageous" without providing clear reasoning. Overusing strong adjectives can weaken their impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outrageous estimate" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "outrageous" modifies the noun "estimate". It describes an assessment or calculation that is considered shockingly high or unreasonable. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "outrageous estimate" is used to describe an estimate considered shockingly high or unreasonable, functioning as a noun phrase where "outrageous" modifies "estimate". Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and it commonly expresses disapproval in news, science, and formal contexts. While grammatically correct, overuse without justification should be avoided. Alternatives include "unreasonable assessment" and "exorbitant valuation", though "outrageous estimate" is suitable when emphasizing disbelief towards an assessment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unreasonable assessment

Replaces "outrageous" with "unreasonable", focusing on the lack of logic behind the estimation.

exorbitant valuation

Uses more formal language, replacing "estimate" with "valuation" and "outrageous" with "exorbitant".

excessive projection

Replaces "estimate" with "projection", implying a prediction that is seen as too high.

absurd calculation

Substitutes "outrageous" with "absurd", highlighting the ridiculous nature of the calculated value.

preposterous figure

Replaces "estimate" with "figure" and "outrageous" with "preposterous", emphasizing disbelief.

unjustifiable appraisal

Uses more formal and critical terms, focusing on the lack of justification for the estimate.

ridiculous expectation

Replaces "estimate" with "expectation", implying that the estimation is unrealistic and laughable.

unconscionable quote

Substitutes "estimate" with "quote", referring to a price, and "outrageous" with "unconscionable", highlighting moral unacceptability.

shockingly high estimation

Emphasizes the surprise and disbelief associated with the magnitude of the estimate.

unrealistic forecast

Replaces "estimate" with "forecast", suggesting the estimation is not grounded in reality.

FAQs

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

You can use "outrageous estimate" to describe a cost or valuation that you find incredibly unreasonable. For example, "The contractor provided an "outrageous estimate" for the repair work, which was double what we expected."

What are some alternatives to "outrageous estimate"?

Alternatives to "outrageous estimate" include "unreasonable assessment", "exorbitant valuation", or "excessive projection". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "outrageous estimation" instead of "outrageous estimate"?

While "estimation" is a valid noun, "outrageous estimate" is the more common and natural-sounding phrase. "Estimation" typically refers to the process of estimating, while "estimate" refers to the result.

What makes an estimate "outrageous"?

An estimate is considered "outrageous" when it is perceived as shockingly high, completely unjustified, or significantly beyond what is reasonable or expected for the goods or services being valued.