ripped off

USAGE SUMMARY

'ripped off' is a correct and usable term in written English.
You can use it to describe when someone is cheated, scammed, or stolen from. For example, "The elderly woman was ripped off when she paid for nonexistent services."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Things ripped off the walls.

The New York Times

I feel ripped off.

The Guardian - Opinion

"And these hooligans ripped off our present".

The New York Times

Kubrick ripped off the designs instead.

Independent

Oregon instead ripped off large chunks.

The New York Times - Sports

And people feel ripped off.

The Guardian - Sport

They're going to be ripped off, too.

The New York Times

A door was ripped off the hinges.

The New York Times

We've been "ripped off", they cry.

The Guardian

I got ripped off on Internet bandwidth.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I'm ripped off constantly," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ripped off", ensure the context clearly indicates who was cheated and what they lost. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the subject and object of the action.

Common error

Avoid using "ripped off" in overly passive constructions where the actor is unclear. For instance, instead of saying "Prices were ripped off", specify who inflated the prices: "Customers were ripped off by inflated prices."

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "ripped off" primarily functions as a predicate describing a state of being cheated or exploited. Ludwig's examples show its usage in active and passive voice, highlighting the act of deception or unfair treatment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

19%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ripped off" is a common and widely understood phrasal verb used to express the feeling of being cheated or exploited. While grammatically correct and frequently used, it leans towards an informal register. According to Ludwig, you can find it across many contexts, from news to personal narratives. For more formal settings, alternatives like "defrauded" or "exploited" are recommended. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English and provides various examples demonstrating its application. When employing "ripped off", ensure clarity in conveying who was cheated and what was lost to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cheated

A general term for acting dishonestly to gain an advantage.

taken advantage of

Implies someone has been unfairly used for another's benefit; less forceful than "ripped off".

done over

A more informal way of saying someone has been cheated or deceived.

scammed

Suggests a cunning and dishonest scheme.

conned

Similar to 'scammed' but often implies a more personal or persuasive element.

swindled

Suggests a deliberate act of deception to obtain money or property.

bilked

To defraud or cheat someone out of money.

defrauded

Indicates a criminal deception intended to result in financial gain.

fleeced

Implies that someone has been relieved of their money or possessions through deception.

exploited

Highlights the unfair use of someone or something for profit or advantage.

FAQs

How can I use "ripped off" in a sentence?

You can use "ripped off" to describe situations where someone has been cheated or overcharged. For example, "I felt I was "ripped off" when the mechanic charged me double the usual price."

What's a more formal alternative to "ripped off"?

While "ripped off" is common, more formal alternatives include "defrauded", "swindled", or "exploited", depending on the specific context. Consider using "taken advantage of" if the situation involved unfair use.

Is "ripped off" appropriate for professional writing?

While understandable, "ripped off" is generally considered informal. In professional contexts, use alternatives like "defrauded" or "overcharged" to maintain a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "ripped off" and "scammed"?

"Ripped off" is a general term for being cheated or overcharged. "Scammed" implies a more elaborate and dishonest scheme. Someone might feel "ripped off" by high prices, but they'd likely say they were "scammed" by a fake lottery win.