prohibitive costs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prohibitive costs" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe expenses that are so high that they prevent someone from proceeding with a project or purchase. Example: "The prohibitive costs of the new technology made it impossible for the small business to invest in it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And despite the prohibitive costs, hospitals have begun to prepare.

The New York Times

Allow to simmer indefinitely in a flavouring of the prohibitive costs of justice.

The Guardian

One regional newspaper executive said regional papers do all they can to avoid court because of the prohibitive costs.

The Guardian

In the lower leagues, especially, violence has continued to smoulder within a sport ostensibly sanitised by prohibitive costs.

Independent

For starters, the prohibitive costs of political campaigning may discourage the less affluent from even considering a candidacy.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, given the prohibitive costs of keeping unsold stock, some publishers have resorted to pulping political books that had no chance of getting distributed.

The Guardian - Books

The existence of large firms is now explained theoretically by their ability to reduce what would otherwise be prohibitive costs of transactions among many small firms.

The Guardian - Business

The voyage gave rise to the field of oceanography, but it also exposed the twin obstacles that would impede underwater exploration for generations: prohibitive costs and primitive technology.

The New Yorker

The slave-owning elite were both fearful for their own skins and starting to realise the prohibitive costs of plantation labour.

The Guardian

They rarely find the drugs they need, or if they do, they often face prohibitive costs like $30 per vial of insulin.

The New York Times

The group, a network of 35 clinics, decided to offer the vouchers because so many people are uninsured or are putting off health care because of prohibitive costs, said Betty Cockrum, its president.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing budgets or investments, clearly quantify what makes the "prohibitive costs" an obstacle. For example, specify the percentage of the budget exceeded or the return on investment required to justify the expense.

Common error

Avoid using "prohibitive costs" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler terms like "too expensive" or "out of my budget" are generally more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prohibitive costs" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'prohibitive' modifies the noun 'costs'. As evidenced by Ludwig, it typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing expenses that prevent a certain action or outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prohibitive costs" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes expenses so high they prevent a desired action or outcome. According to Ludwig, it's widely used in news media and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, make sure to quantify the costs and tailor your language to your audience. While generally appropriate for formal settings, simpler language may suit informal contexts. Consider alternatives like "excessive expenses" or "unaffordable expenses" depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Excessive expenses

Focuses on the amount exceeding reasonable limits.

Unreasonable prices

Highlights the lack of justification for the cost.

Unaffordable expenses

Emphasizes the inability to pay.

Exorbitant charges

Implies an inflated or unreasonably high price.

Insurmountable expenses

Suggests the costs create a barrier that cannot be overcome.

Restrictive pricing

Indicates pricing that limits access or participation.

Inordinate expenditures

Emphasizes the disproportionate amount of money spent.

Outrageous prices

Conveys a sense of shock or indignation at the high cost.

Crippling expenses

Highlights the damaging effect of the costs.

Unsustainable costs

Focuses on the inability to maintain the current level of spending.

FAQs

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

You can use "prohibitive costs" to describe expenses that are so high they prevent something from being done. For example: "The project was abandoned due to the "prohibitive costs" of materials."

What can I say instead of "prohibitive costs"?

You can use alternatives like "excessive expenses", "unreasonable prices", or "unaffordable expenses" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "prohibitive costs"?

It's appropriate to use "prohibitive costs" in formal writing, reports, and discussions where you need to clearly convey that expenses are a major barrier or obstacle. It's less suitable for casual conversation.

What makes costs "prohibitive"?

Costs become "prohibitive" when they are so high that they make a project, purchase, or activity impossible or impractical. This can be due to budget limitations, lack of return on investment, or other financial constraints.