Definition

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.

Usage

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.

Examples

• 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.

Advanced Usage

• "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.

Variants and Related Words

• 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.

Synonyms

• 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.

Antonyms

• 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.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "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!

Adjective

1. greatly exceeding bounds of reason or moderation
   • exorbitant rent
   • extortionate prices
   • spends an outrageous amount on entertainment
   • usurious interest rate
   • unconscionable spending