prohibitive cost

USAGE SUMMARY

'prohibitive cost' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a cost that is too high to justify the expense. For example, "The prohibitive cost of new kitchen cabinets meant that I wasn't able to remodel my kitchen this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a prohibitive cost for most of these students, especially those with siblings applying," says Davenport.

University of California, Berkeley

That counts as a "prohibitive" cost, in Randolph's terminology, if anything does.

Harvard University

However, my enthusiasm has been slightly dampened by the sometimes prohibitive cost of attending conferences.

The Guardian

Heli-skiing opens up inaccessible peaks but at a prohibitive cost.

The Guardian - Travel

To move it back would be a prohibitive cost that's not in the budget".

The New York Times

Regardless of defeat or victory, colonial and naval wars were problematic because of their prohibitive cost.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The main reason is the prohibitive cost of today's carbon-capture technologies.

MIT Technology Review

On the other hand, the prohibitive cost of high fibre containing sleepers limit their widespread application.

Composite Structures

Applicants must pay a $465 fee to apply and reapply every two years, a prohibitive cost for many.

Harvard University

The device is one of the most sought-after consumer products in the world, despite its lavish, prohibitive cost.

The Guardian - Money

In a recession, the main thing preventing businesses from expanding capacity isn't the prohibitive cost but a lack of demand.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prohibitive cost", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being prevented or made impossible due to the high cost. For instance, "The prohibitive cost of the treatment prevented many patients from accessing it."

Common error

Avoid using "prohibitive cost" when the cost is simply high but not truly preventing the action. Instead, reserve it for situations where the cost acts as a real barrier. For example, it's better to say "high cost" rather than "prohibitive cost" if something is expensive but still attainable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prohibitive cost" functions as a noun phrase, where "prohibitive" modifies the noun "cost". It describes the nature of the cost, indicating that it's so high as to prevent a certain action or purchase. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

25%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prohibitive cost" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes a cost so high that it prevents a particular action or purchase. According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct. It is most commonly found in news, scientific, and academic writing. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects that the cost acts as a true barrier rather than simply being high. Consider alternatives like "unreasonable cost" or "excessive cost" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unreasonable cost

Indicates that the cost is not justified or fair.

excessive cost

Highlights that the cost goes beyond what is considered normal or acceptable.

exorbitant cost

Emphasizes an extremely high and often unfair cost.

unaffordable price

Focuses on the inability to pay the price.

unsustainable cost

Suggests that the cost cannot be maintained over time.

inordinate expense

Implies a cost that is out of proportion or excessive.

astronomical price

Uses a metaphor to describe an extremely high price.

crippling expense

Suggests the cost severely damages one's financial state.

price barrier

Highlights the price as an obstacle.

cost bottleneck

Indicates that the cost is a major limiting factor.

FAQs

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

Use "prohibitive cost" to describe a situation where something is too expensive to be realistically afforded or undertaken. For example, "The "prohibitive cost" of housing in the city makes it difficult for young professionals to settle there."

What are some alternatives to "prohibitive cost"?

You can use alternatives like "unreasonable cost", "excessive cost", or "exorbitant cost" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "prohibitive cost" in formal writing?

Yes, "prohibitive cost" is suitable for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to describe costs that are too high. It can be used in business reports, academic papers, and other formal contexts.

What is the difference between "high cost" and "prohibitive cost"?

"High cost" simply means that something is expensive. "Prohibitive cost" indicates that the cost is so high that it prevents someone from doing something. The "prohibitive cost" creates a barrier, whereas "high cost" only indicates expensiveness.