expensive

adjective

ex·​pen·​sive ik-ˈspen(t)-siv 

1

: involving high cost or sacrifice

an expensive hobby

2

a

: commanding a high price and especially one that is not based on intrinsic worth or is beyond a prospective buyer's means

b

: characterized by high prices

expensive shops

expensively adverb

expensiveness noun

Synonyms

• big-ticket
• costly
• dear
• extravagant
• high
• high-end
• high-ticket
• precious
• premium
• priceless
• pricey
• pricy
• spendy [chiefly Northwest]
• ultraexpensive
• valuable

Examples of expensive in a Sentence

The lights were expensive to install.

expensive clothing that only the truly wealthy can afford

Recent Examples on the Web

The outlet said that the move came after a close review of Amazon’s programming costs across its entertainment portfolio, prompted by several expensive series that failed to connect with audiences. —Bruce Gil, Quartz, 15 Nov. 2024

And inefficiency gets very expensive when homes sit on the market. —Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 14 Nov. 2024

Critics argue that single bore is too expensive, suggesting double bore could save money. —Dan Phan, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024

The other major challenge, Gunn says, is that this island country is quite expensive. —Stuart Miller, Variety, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

expensive

adjective

ex·​pen·​sive ik-ˈspen(t)-siv 

1

: costly sense 2

an expensive hobby

2

a

: having a high price

expensive gifts

b

: marked by high prices

expensive shops

expensively adverb

expensiveness noun