prohibitive price

USAGE SUMMARY

"prohibitive price" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means a price that is so high or expensive that it prevents or makes something impossible to do or obtain. Example: The rent for the penthouse apartment was so high that it was prohibitive for most people, making it a luxury only the very wealthy could afford.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

However, the Serbia international might come with a prohibitive price.

The Guardian - Sport

We understood that our enemies required periodic reminders of the prohibitive price they would pay for murdering our families.

The New York Times

Not many people are, and I am sympathetic to the complaints about the prohibitive price of theatergoing these days.

The New York Times

That includes the prohibitive price of recommended comprehensive testing — now over $4,000 — and the availability of second opinions.

The New York Times

The prohibitive price of operational test beds means that computer simulations are the only viable solution for analysing the performance of different protocols and architectures.

Computer Networks

— Jeff Gordinier The New York Times: The prohibitive price of drought-afflicted corn, and the growing demand for hormone-and-pesticide-free, grass-fed beef, is driving some ranchers to experiment with unusual breeds and techniques.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Speaking at the UN headquarters, he blamed "armed terrorist groups" for stealing humanitarian aid and reselling it at prohibitive prices.

The Guardian

And I also agree that prohibitive prices and tiny spaces are very important reasons to consider leaving New York City, despite its appeal.

The New York Times

Wall Street dropped Nassau's credit rating to just above junk bond status, leaving the county one step from prohibitive prices for borrowing money and from financial paralysis.

The New York Times

The same therapies initially released at prohibitive prices in the United States and Europe can now be purchased for less than $500 in some low-income countries.

The Washington Post

Friends of the regime have plenty of money to spend on computers with the latest Pentium III chips, which are sold at prohibitive prices in several shops in Baghdad.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prohibitive price", ensure you clearly explain what the price prevents or makes impossible. Provide specific context to illustrate the impact of the high cost.

Common error

Avoid using "prohibitive price" when the cost is merely inconvenient rather than truly preventing access. Ensure the price genuinely acts as a barrier.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prohibitive price" functions as a noun phrase, where "prohibitive" modifies the noun "price". It indicates a cost that is so high that it prevents or severely discourages purchase or participation, as evidenced by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prohibitive price" describes a cost that is so high that it effectively prevents access or purchase. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media, science, and business contexts. When writing, be specific about what the price prevents and avoid overstating its impact. Consider using synonyms like "unreasonable cost" or "exorbitant fee" to add variety to your language. The phrase serves to highlight economic barriers and pricing issues in various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unreasonable cost

Focuses on the lack of justification for the price.

exorbitant fee

Emphasizes the excessive nature of the charge.

excessive rate

Highlights the inflated value or percentage.

unaffordable expense

Focuses on the inability to pay.

sky-high charges

Uses figurative language to describe the high price.

inflated cost

Highlights the artificial increase in price.

outrageous price tag

Expresses strong disapproval of the high price.

crippling cost

Emphasizes the damaging effect of the price.

deterrent price

Highlights the effect of discouraging purchase.

astronomical sum

Implies a very large and often impractical amount of money.

FAQs

How to use "prohibitive price" in a sentence?

Use "prohibitive price" to describe a cost that is so high it prevents someone from buying or doing something. For example, "The "prohibitive price of housing" makes it difficult for young people to buy their first home."

What can I say instead of "prohibitive price"?

You can use alternatives like "unreasonable cost", "exorbitant fee", or "unaffordable expense" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "prohibitive price" or "expensive price"?

"Prohibitive price" is more precise and implies the price acts as a barrier, while "expensive price" simply indicates a high cost. Thus, "prohibitive price" is more effective when emphasizing the restrictive nature of the cost, but both are correct.

What's the difference between "prohibitive price" and "high price"?

A "high price" indicates something is expensive, but a "prohibitive price" suggests the cost is so high that it prevents purchase or action. "Prohibitive price" is a stronger statement about the cost's impact.