prohibitively excessive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prohibitively excessive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is so excessive that it effectively prevents action or makes it impractical. Example: "The costs associated with the project were prohibitively excessive, leading us to abandon the idea altogether."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

As a matter of general principle, an individual should not be faced with prohibitively excessive expenses or expenses that exceed the potential financial recovery in the event of success on the merits of a claim.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Such simulations can be prohibitively slow.

BMC Systems Biology

Prohibitively expensive.

The New York Times

The tickets are prohibitively expensive.

The Guardian - Sport

Commercial distribution remains prohibitively expensive.

The New Yorker

Flights were complicated and prohibitively expensive.

The Economist

But that would be prohibitively expensive.

The Economist

C.D.S. contracts can sometimes be prohibitively expensive.

The New Yorker

Hiring qualified staff can be prohibitively expensive.

The Economist

But their services can be prohibitively expensive.

The New York Times

BBC shows, too, were prohibitively expensive.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prohibitively excessive", ensure that the excessiveness is the clear reason why something is not feasible or advisable. It should directly impede progress or action.

Common error

Avoid using "prohibitively excessive" when 'excessive' alone adequately conveys the meaning. The addition of 'prohibitively' should genuinely emphasize a preventing effect, not just add unnecessary emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prohibitively excessive" functions as an adverbial modifier intensifying an adjective. It describes a degree of excess that acts as a barrier, rendering something unfeasible. Ludwig AI validates this usage. As Ludwig shows, it often modifies terms related to costs or burdens.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prohibitively excessive" is a phrase used to describe something that is so excessive that it becomes impractical or impossible to proceed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered grammatically correct, although its occurrence is relatively rare. Primarily found in news and media, its function is to express disapproval or concern about a level of excess. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the excessiveness is indeed acting as a barrier. If you are looking for alternatives, consider phrases like "unreasonably high" or "excessively burdensome".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unreasonably high

This alternative directly replaces "prohibitively excessive" by focusing on the unreasonableness of the level.

excessively burdensome

This highlights the weight or difficulty caused by the excessiveness, shifting the focus to the impact.

impractically exorbitant

This intensifies the idea of impracticality due to extreme excess.

outrageously unreasonable

This emphasizes the shocking and unacceptable nature of the excess.

unduly extravagant

This suggests the excessiveness is beyond what is appropriate or justifiable.

prohibitively expensive

Focuses specifically on cost, making it impractical to proceed.

excessively inflated

Implies an artificial increase leading to the excessive level.

unacceptably extreme

Highlights the severity and unacceptability of the level.

exceedingly high

A more straightforward alternative emphasizing the height of the excess.

inordinately large

Focuses on the size or quantity being excessively great.

FAQs

How can I use "prohibitively excessive" in a sentence?

You can use "prohibitively excessive" to describe costs, expenses, or other burdens that are so high they prevent something from happening. For example, "The costs associated with the project were "prohibitively excessive", leading us to abandon the idea altogether."

What is a good alternative to "prohibitively excessive"?

Depending on the context, alternatives like "unreasonably high" or "excessively burdensome" can be used in place of "prohibitively excessive".

When is it appropriate to use "prohibitively excessive"?

"Prohibitively excessive" is appropriate when you want to emphasize that something is not just excessive, but so excessive that it effectively prevents a particular action or outcome.

What does "prohibitively excessive" mean?

It means something is so excessive that it becomes impractical or impossible to proceed due to its extreme nature. The word 'prohibitively' indicates it acts as a barrier.