prohibitive expense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prohibitive expense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a cost that is so high that it prevents someone from being able to afford something. Example: "The cost of the new software was a prohibitive expense for our small business, forcing us to look for more affordable alternatives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Another is the prohibitive expense involved.

The Economist

But the large-scale crossover work remains a rarity, due to its prohibitive expense in such straitened times for the music industry.

Independent

But the prohibitive expense of getting to Brazil – coupled with a Fifa diktat insisting their barefooted team play in boots – meant the Indians too eventually opted out.

The Guardian - Sport

The reality is that most countries won't be able to use Australia's techniques to stop people movements due to the number of arrivals and the prohibitive expense involved.

The Guardian - Opinion

So even from a heartless, self-interested economic point of view, it is perverse to be locking up at prohibitive expense people who have a lot to contribute to Australia.

The Guardian - Opinion

Because of the sheer bulk, not to mention the prohibitive expense, of a general collection embracing the stamps of all nations and all periods, most collectors turn to specialized fields.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Originally, the production team was going to remove the hotel's neon sign, but director Manners, instead, decided to "move the camera another five feet" to prevent "prohibitive" expenses.

Wikipedia

This highlights the prohibitive expenses in settings similar to Malawi of attending such courses.

European Radiology

Due to the prohibitive computational expense of the full scale simulations, a surrogate modeling approach was employed.

Materials & Design

Direct time integration of full, nonlinear, finite element models can provide accurate results, but at a prohibitive computational expense.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Add to that the cost of getting there — which can include fighting off special interests and "super PACs" from your own party, exhausting criticism from the increasingly partisan news media, and prohibitive campaign expenses — and a Senate seat no longer seems so grand.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prohibitive expense", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being prevented or made impossible due to the high cost. For instance, "The "prohibitive expense" of the new regulations made it impossible for small businesses to comply."

Common error

Avoid using "prohibitive expense" when the cost is merely inconvenient rather than genuinely preventing an action or purchase. A significant but manageable cost is not accurately described as a "prohibitive expense".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prohibitive expense" functions as a noun phrase, where "prohibitive" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "expense". As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it correctly describes a cost that is so high as to prevent something from being affordable or achievable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prohibitive expense" effectively describes a cost that is so high it prevents an action or purchase. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is a commonly used phrase across diverse contexts, from news reports to scientific publications. While alternatives like "excessive cost" or "unaffordable price" exist, "prohibitive expense" specifically highlights the preventing nature of the cost. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly emphasizes the barrier created by the expense.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unaffordable price

Focuses on the inability to pay the price.

excessive cost

Focuses on the cost being beyond what is reasonable or acceptable.

exorbitant price

Emphasizes the price as being much higher than normal or justifiable.

unreasonable expenditure

Highlights the spending as not being sensible or appropriate.

astronomical fee

Uses hyperbole to suggest the fee is extremely high.

unsupportable outlay

Indicates the expense is too great to be maintained or justified.

inordinate charge

Stresses that the charge is excessive and goes beyond reasonable limits.

crippling cost

Highlights that the cost is so high that it severely restricts or damages.

immoderate expense

Emphasizes the lack of moderation in the amount spent.

untenable expenditure

Points out that the expenditure cannot be defended or maintained.

FAQs

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

The phrase "prohibitive expense" is used to describe a cost that is so high it prevents something from being affordable or achievable. For example, "The "prohibitive expense" of new medical equipment hindered the hospital's ability to offer advanced treatments."

What are some alternatives to "prohibitive expense"?

Alternatives include "excessive cost", "unaffordable price", or "exorbitant price". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "prohibitive cost" instead of "prohibitive expense"?

Yes, "prohibitive cost" is a perfectly acceptable and often interchangeable alternative to "prohibitive expense". Both terms convey the same meaning of a price being too high to allow something.

What makes an expense truly "prohibitive"?

An expense is "prohibitive" when it is so high that it effectively prevents a purchase, action, or plan from occurring. It's not just expensive; it's a barrier. For example, the "prohibitive expense" of building a new factory might force a company to remain at its current location.