utterly excessive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly excessive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is beyond what is reasonable or necessary, often in a negative context. Example: "The costs of the event were utterly excessive, far exceeding our budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It's a perfect story for opera: farcically tragic, utterly excessive.

The New York Times - Arts

It isn't so much the money, or the utterly excessive three bedroom, five-bath residential hotel where they are housing me (and only me).

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

These days, the British pub is utterly beset by excessive taxation, by the smoking ban and supermarket pricing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At the same time, African markets are seen as utterly fraught with excessive risk.

Forbes

Liberal Democrats continue to be utterly opposed to this excessive and authoritarian measure that not only erodes our privacy but will likely to prove to be a waste of money and fall foul of our courts," he added.

TechCrunch

Haier, too, is said by recent visitors to be "utterly downbeat" about falling margins and static profits at home, the result of excessive diversification and expansion.

The Economist

Beethoven's 20th variation, a melancholy Andante, was utterly lucid yet somehow insubstantial; as in the 24th variation, a Fughetta, there was a sense of excessive deliberation, of the music being displayed as much as played.

The New York Times - Arts

Utterly key.

Cornell University

Utterly glorious.

The Guardian - Travel

Utterly ridiculous.

Independent

A: Utterly.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utterly excessive" to convey a strong sense of disapproval or disbelief regarding the degree or amount of something. It emphasizes not just excess, but a complete and utter level of it.

Common error

While "utterly excessive" is acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "completely unreasonable" or "absolutely exorbitant" /s/absolutely+exorbitant in professional or academic writing to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly excessive" functions as an adjective phrase intensifying the adjective "excessive". It modifies a noun, emphasizing the extreme degree to which something exceeds reasonable limits. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utterly excessive" is an adjective phrase used to express strong disapproval of something that goes far beyond what is reasonable or necessary. Ludwig AI validates that the phrase follows standard grammar rules and is perfectly usable in written English. While its use is relatively rare, occurring mostly in News & Media contexts, it effectively conveys a sense of extreme excess. Consider using more formal alternatives such as "absolutely exorbitant" /s/absolutely+exorbitant or "completely unreasonable" /s/completely+unreasonable in professional or academic settings. Overall, this phrase is a powerful way to emphasize disapproval or disbelief regarding the degree or amount of something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely over the top

This alternative suggests something is done with extreme exaggeration and theatricality.

totally unreasonable

This highlights the lack of logic or fairness in the extent or degree of something.

absolutely exorbitant

This refers specifically to something being excessively high, especially in terms of cost or price.

thoroughly outrageous

This emphasizes the shocking and unacceptable nature of something's excessiveness.

patently superfluous

This indicates that something is obviously unnecessary or redundant.

unjustifiably extreme

This suggests that there is no good reason for the extent or intensity of something.

gratuitously lavish

This highlights the unnecessary abundance and richness, often in a wasteful manner.

unconscionably high

This emphasizes the moral objection to the degree or amount of something.

wholly disproportionate

This indicates an imbalance or lack of proper relationship between things.

needlessly profuse

This suggests something is given or done in an extravagant and unnecessary amount.

FAQs

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

You can use "utterly excessive" to describe something that goes beyond what is reasonable or necessary. For example: "The cost of the renovations was utterly excessive."

What are some alternatives to saying "utterly excessive"?

Alternatives include "completely over the top", "totally unreasonable", or "absolutely exorbitant" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "utterly excessive"?

It's appropriate when you want to strongly emphasize that something is far beyond what is acceptable or necessary, often with a negative connotation.

Is "utterly excessive" formal or informal language?

While understandable in most contexts, "utterly excessive" leans slightly toward the informal side. Consider using a more formal equivalent like "wholly disproportionate" /s/wholly+disproportionate in academic or business writing.