unreasonably expensive

USAGE SUMMARY

'unreasonably expensive' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something as being overly expensive or exorbitant. For example: "The movie tickets were unreasonably expensive for such an old film."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

The explanation must be excessive and unreasonably expensive regulation.

The New York Times

If your query were simply "Is all college tuition in America unreasonably expensive?" my answer might be different.

The New York Times - Magazine

When traveling to a conference, it is appropriate for the traveler to stay at the hotel hosting the conference, assuming that the daily rate is not unreasonably expensive relative to other alternatives.

Yale University

Doubles from $20 (aircon about $2.50 extra), [phone], no website The few remaining bare-bones caba��as that made Tulum famous on the backpacker trail are now unreasonably expensive – for sand floors and shared showers.

The Guardian - Travel

CCGs also look likely to be free to decide that some treatments recommended by hospital specialists are "unreasonably" expensive, and refuse to pay for them, as health maintenance organisations do in the US.

The Guardian - Opinion

The burden on the employer is not very heavy: Any accommodation cannot be unreasonably expensive, compromise workplace safety, decrease efficiency, or require other employees to do more than their share of dangerous or burdensome work.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

With concrete construction not unreasonably more expensive than a wood frame building, Congress accepted the proposal for concrete buildings, and approved the funds for the project in March 1918.

Wikipedia

The cost £2.7 billion—will take the government perilously close to its avowed borrowing limit (the Tories, not unreasonably, are calling Crewe the most expensive by-election in history).

The Economist

Of course, just because cities like New York are exorbitantly expensive, it doesn't mean they're priced unreasonably.

Forbes

It has been widely assumed that ICU care is expensive and this has almost certainly encouraged an unreasonably low level of provision of ICU beds and resources.

Critical Care

Dee argues that the reports suggested "that he unreasonably and unrealistically persists in a career as a professional ­tennis player which is an expensive waste of money and doomed to failure".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unreasonably expensive", ensure the context provides a clear understanding of what constitutes a reasonable price. This helps to strengthen your argument and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "unreasonably expensive" is acceptable, consider more precise alternatives like "prohibitively costly" or "excessively priced" in formal or academic writing to convey a more nuanced meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unreasonably expensive" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes something whose cost is considered excessive or not justified. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unreasonably expensive" is a commonly used phrase that describes something as being excessively or unjustifiably costly. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It functions as an adjective phrase and is primarily used to express disapproval regarding a price. While generally neutral in register, it can be adapted to formal contexts by considering alternatives such as "prohibitively costly." Its frequency is classified as common, appearing frequently in news, academic texts, and scientific literature. When employing this phrase, it's best to ensure a context that clarifies what constitutes a reasonable price.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unreasonably high price

Mirrors the original phrase, but uses "price" instead of "expensive".

prohibitively costly

Emphasizes that the price is so high it prevents purchase or use.

excessively priced

Highlights that the price exceeds what is considered normal or acceptable.

outrageously expensive

Implies the price is shockingly high and unreasonable.

exorbitantly priced

Similar to excessively priced, but with a stronger connotation of being unfair.

unjustifiably high cost

Focuses on the lack of justification for the high price.

overpriced

A more common and straightforward way of saying something costs too much.

stiff price

Implies the price is surprisingly high.

punitive cost

Suggests the cost is intentionally high, almost as a form of punishment.

rip-off price

Emphasizes that the price is a form of swindle or exploitation.

FAQs

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

You can use "unreasonably expensive" to describe something whose cost exceeds its value or what is considered fair. For example, "The concert tickets were "unreasonably expensive" given the artist's declining popularity."

What are some alternatives to saying "unreasonably expensive"?

Alternatives include "prohibitively costly", "excessively priced", or "outrageously expensive", depending on the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

Is it better to say "unreasonably priced" or "unreasonably expensive"?

Both "unreasonably priced" and "unreasonably expensive" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice often depends on stylistic preference or the specific context.

What makes something "unreasonably expensive"?

Something is "unreasonably expensive" when its price does not align with its perceived value, market norms, or comparable alternatives. It suggests an unjustified or excessive cost.