stratospheric

stratospheric

The weather balloon ascends into the stratospheric layer.

Definition
  1. Adjective:
    • Relating to the stratosphere: "stratospheric" describes something that belongs to, occurs in, or is characteristic of the stratosphere, the second major layer of Earth's atmosphere, located above the troposphere and below the mesosphere.
    • Extremely high or lofty: In figurative use, "stratospheric" means reaching an exceptionally high level, often in terms of price, altitude, or status.
Usage Examples

  • Literal (atmospheric):

    • The aircraft flew at a stratospheric altitude of 20 kilometers. (The plane traveled in the stratospheric layer of the atmosphere.)
    • Stratospheric ozone protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation. (Ozone in the stratospheric layer shields the planet.)

  • Figurative (extremely high):

    • The company's profits reached stratospheric levels last quarter. (Profits became extremely high, as if soaring into the stratosphere.)
    • Her fame is stratospheric after winning the award. (Her fame is at an exceptionally high degree.)
Advanced Usage

  • "Stratospheric prices": extremely high or inflated costs.

    • The luxury watch sold for a stratospheric price of $100,000. (The price was excessively high.)

  • "Stratospheric growth": very rapid and significant increase.

    • The tech startup experienced stratospheric growth in its first year. (Growth was exceptionally fast and large.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Stratosphere (noun): the layer of Earth's atmosphere above the troposphere.

    • Weather balloons rise into the stratosphere. (They ascend to the atmospheric layer.)

  • Stratospherically (adverb): in a manner relating to the stratosphere or to extremely high levels.

    • Prices have risen stratospherically in recent years. (Prices have increased to an extremely high degree.)
Synonyms
  • Lofty: very high or elevated (literal or figurative).
  • Sky-high: extremely high (often used for prices or ambitions).
  • Exorbitant: unreasonably high (especially for costs).
Related Idioms

  • Go through the roof: to increase suddenly to a very high level.

    • After the news, demand went through the roof. (Demand became stratospheric.)

  • Reach for the stars: to aim for very high goals.

    • Her stratospheric ambitions led her to become CEO. (Her ambitions were extremely lofty.)