prohibitively high

USAGE SUMMARY

"prohibitively high" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a price or cost that is so expensive that it prevents someone from participating in a certain activity or purchase. For example, "The cost of a new car is prohibitively high for me right now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Data costs are prohibitively high.

The Guardian

Since then, international creditors have demanded prohibitively high interest rates.

The New Yorker

But the interest rates on them remain prohibitively high.

The New York Times

"It would be prohibitively high debt," he said.

The New York Times

The cost of using it is prohibitively high.

The Economist

In Europe, telecommunication costs in the 1980s were prohibitively high.

The New York Times

Affordable assisted living entails prohibitively high costs requiring an increased commitment of public financing.

The New York Times

Antares had to charge prohibitively high prices to recoup its investment.

The New Yorker

But the cost of producing such displays was prohibitively high a decade ago.

The New York Times

It would also be easily evaded and incapable of raising adequate sums unless set prohibitively high.

The New York Times

He started the site after noticing the prevalence of schemes with prohibitively high fees.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience and the formality of the setting when deciding to use "prohibitively high". In very informal contexts, a simpler term like "too expensive" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "prohibitively high" when something is simply expensive but still within reach for some. The phrase implies that the cost acts as a complete barrier.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prohibitively high" functions as an adverb-adjective combination, modifying a noun to express that something's cost or difficulty is so excessive that it acts as a barrier. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

49%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prohibitively high" is a frequently used phrase that combines an adverb and an adjective to describe something being excessively expensive or difficult. Ludwig AI analysis, supported by numerous real-world examples, indicates it's suitable for a range of contexts, from formal business reports to news articles. While generally neutral to formal in register, it is essential to understand its implication of an effective barrier when using it in writing. Alternatives like "excessively expensive" or "unfeasibly costly" may be considered depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessively expensive

Focuses on the monetary aspect, highlighting that the cost is beyond reasonable limits.

unfeasibly costly

Emphasizes that the expense makes the undertaking impractical or impossible.

inordinately priced

Highlights the deviation from a normal or acceptable price range.

unreasonably expensive

Stresses the lack of justification for the high price.

astronomically high

Uses a hyperbolic comparison to emphasize the extreme level of the cost.

impracticably expensive

Underscores the impracticality of proceeding due to the high cost.

exorbitantly priced

Similar to excessively expensive, but with a stronger implication of unfairness.

over the top expensive

More informal, suggesting the cost is unnecessarily high and somewhat extravagant.

out of reach financially

Focuses on the consequence that something is not obtainable due to financial constraints.

beyond one's means

Highlights the personal inability to afford something.

FAQs

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

You can use "prohibitively high" to describe costs or barriers that are so great they prevent something from happening. For example, "The cost of housing in the city is "prohibitively high" for many young professionals".

What are some alternatives to "prohibitively high"?

Alternatives include "excessively expensive", "unfeasibly costly", or "unreasonably expensive". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "prohibitively high" formal or informal?

"Prohibitively high" is considered a relatively formal phrase suitable for professional, academic, and news contexts. In very informal settings, simpler language might be preferred.

What does "prohibitively high" mean?

"Prohibitively high" means something is so expensive or difficult that it effectively prevents people from obtaining it or participating in it. It implies a barrier that is difficult or impossible to overcome.