extortionate
The customer looks at the extortionate price tag on a simple loaf of bread with a shocked expression.
Adjective: 1. Excessively high or unfair, especially in price or cost: Describes something, typically a price, charge, or demand, that is unreasonably and unjustly expensive, often to the point of being exploitative or oppressive. 2. Greatly exceeding what is reasonable or moderate: Characterizes something that goes far beyond acceptable or fair limits.
The adjective "extortionate" is used to criticize and emphasize the unfairness and excessive nature of a cost, price, or demand. It carries a strong negative connotation, suggesting greed or exploitation. It is often used in formal or journalistic contexts when discussing economics, consumer affairs, or legal matters.
- The hotel charged extortionate prices for bottled water during the festival.
- Many citizens are struggling with extortionate interest rates on their loans.
- The lawyer's fees were deemed extortionate by the client.
- They are protesting against the extortionate cost of public transportation.
- "extortionate demands": Unreasonably high or oppressive demands, not always monetary.
- The kidnappers made extortionate demands for the hostage's release.
- "extortionate behavior": Conduct characterized by attempting to obtain something through unfair or oppressive means.
- The company's extortionate behavior towards its suppliers led to a lawsuit.
- Extortion (noun): The practice of obtaining something, especially money, through force or threats.
- He was arrested for extortion.
- Extortionately (adverb): In an extortionate manner.
- The apartment was extortionately priced.
- Exorbitant: (of a price or amount charged) unreasonably high.
- Outrageous: Shockingly bad or excessive.
- Unconscionable: Not right or reasonable; excessive.
- Usurious: Relating to or characterized by usury; lending money at unreasonably high rates of interest.
- Prohibitive: (Of a price or charge) so high as to prevent something from being bought or done.
- Reasonable: Fair and sensible.
- Moderate: Average in amount, intensity, or degree.
- Fair: In accordance with the rules or standards; just.
- Nominal: (Of a price or amount of money) very small; far below the real value or cost.
- "To charge an arm and a leg": To charge a very high price. (This is a common idiom with a similar meaning to "extortionate" but is more informal.)
- The designer boutique charges an arm and a leg for a handbag.
- "Highway robbery": Used informally to describe a price that is perceived as outrageously high and unfair.
- Five dollars for a cup of coffee? That's highway robbery!
The customer looks at the extortionate price tag on a simple loaf of bread with a shocked expression.
- greatly exceeding bounds of reason or moderation
- exorbitant rent
- extortionate prices
- spends an outrageous amount on entertainment
- usurious interest rate
- unconscionable spending