extravagance

noun

ex·​trav·​a·​gance ik-ˈstra-vi-gən(t)s 

1

a

: an instance of excess or prodigality

specifically : an excessive outlay of money

b

: something extravagant

a new car is an extravagance we can't afford

2

: the quality or fact of being extravagant

the extravagance of the decorations

Synonyms

• extravagancy
• lavishness
• prodigality
• profusion
• wastefulness

Examples of extravagance in a Sentence

The reorganization of the department was aimed at reducing extravagance.

That coat is an extravagance that you can't afford.

Going to the play will be our one extravagance for this vacation.

I was shocked by the extravagance of their lifestyle.

The church is known for the extravagance of its architecture.

Recent Examples on the Web

The collaboration is also part of a broader shift in luxury, in which the lasting impression comes not from extravagance but from the emotions evoked. —Rachel King, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2024

Propaganda and ideology officials began accepting bribes to turn away from clubs indulging in ‘bourgeois’ extravagance or music viewed as ideologically adversarial. —Katie Bain, Billboard, 30 Aug. 2024

The elevated frame adds a touch of extravagance to your room, complemented by the grand wingbacks. —Claire Rutter, Rolling Stone, 30 Aug. 2024

With a jaw-dropping budget of $250 million, Gladiator II is set to redefine cinematic extravagance. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 3 Sep. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

1640, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

extravagance

noun

ex·​trav·​a·​gance ik-ˈstrav-i-gən(t)s 

1

a

: the wasteful or careless spending of money

b

: something that is extravagant

2

: the quality or fact of being extravagant