ridiculously expensive

USAGE SUMMARY

"ridiculously expensive" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that is excessively costly or overpriced. Example: "The concert tickets were ridiculously expensive, far beyond my budget." Alternative expressions include "outrageously priced" and "unbelievably costly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Lifestyle

Tech

Sport

Opinion

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Gandalf's beard was ridiculously expensive".

The Guardian - Film

It is also ridiculously expensive.

The Guardian - Travel

Also comparative-effectiveness research is ridiculously expensive.

The New York Times - Magazine

The whole thing is becoming ridiculously expensive".

The New York Times

But it has become ridiculously expensive.

The New York Times - Tech

Bribes, backhanders, and ridiculously expensive gravy boats.

The Guardian - Sport

Fine, except they are ridiculously expensive and ridiculously complicated.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's ridiculously expensive and it isn't even the best quality".

The Guardian

"And it's not ridiculously expensive; it's something Jonas — my character — could afford.

The New York Times

The ridiculously expensive mega-suite is here to stay, and not just in Vegas and Dubai.

The New York Times

You can admire the Acropolis while sipping a ridiculously expensive drink.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ridiculously expensive" in writing, consider the context to ensure the tone aligns with your intended message, as it can sometimes come across as informal or exaggerated.

Common error

Avoid using multiple intensifiers with "ridiculously expensive" (e.g., "very ridiculously expensive"). The phrase itself already conveys a high degree of cost, so additional adverbs are typically unnecessary and can weaken the impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ridiculously expensive" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes something as costing an unreasonable amount of money. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Lifestyle

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ridiculously expensive" is a commonly used adjective phrase that describes something as being unreasonably costly. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, noting its widespread use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While effective in conveying disapproval or disbelief about high prices, it leans toward an informal register, suggesting that more formal alternatives might be preferable in certain settings. Consider context when using this phrase to ensure the tone aligns with your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outrageously priced

Focuses on the extreme nature of the price being beyond reasonable.

absurdly overpriced

Similar to "ridiculously expensive" but emphasizes the unreasonableness of the price in relation to its value.

exorbitantly priced

Highlights the excessiveness and unreasonableness of the cost.

prohibitively expensive

Emphasizes that the cost is so high it prevents purchase or participation.

ludicrously costly

Highlights that the cost is so high it's laughable or nonsensical.

unjustifiably expensive

Indicates the price is high without good reason or justification.

eye-wateringly expensive

Informal and emphasizes the shock or dismay at the high price.

criminaly overpriced

Strongly suggests the price is unfairly high, almost to an unethical level.

unconscionably expensive

Implies the price is so high it's morally wrong or unethical.

needlessly expensive

Indicates the high cost is unnecessary and avoidable.

FAQs

How can I use "ridiculously expensive" in a sentence?

You can use "ridiculously expensive" to describe items, services, or experiences that are much more costly than expected or reasonable. For example, "The tickets to the concert were "ridiculously expensive"."

What are some alternatives to saying "ridiculously expensive"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "outrageously priced", "exorbitantly priced", or "prohibitively expensive". Each carries a slightly different nuance regarding the excessiveness of the cost.

Is "ridiculously expensive" appropriate for formal writing?

While "ridiculously expensive" is widely understood, it leans towards informal language. In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "unjustifiably expensive" or "excessively costly" to maintain a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "expensive" and "ridiculously expensive"?

"Expensive" simply indicates a high cost, while "ridiculously expensive" implies that the cost is so high as to be unreasonable, absurd, or beyond what is justifiable. The latter expresses a stronger degree of disapproval or disbelief about the price.