sticker shock
noun
: astonishment and dismay experienced on being informed of a product's unexpectedly high price
Examples of sticker shock in a Sentence
We left the store suffering severe sticker shock.
Recent Examples on the Web
As the nation’s most populous state and one that consumes a lot of products from our neighbor to the south, experts warn Californians should brace for sticker shock on food, drink, cars, housing and more.
—
Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2025
Eating out or food delivery gave respondents the most sticker shock, according to the survey, followed by a tank of gas and prices for concerts or sporting events.
—Bryan Mena, CNN, 25 Feb. 2025
Charlotte-area grocery shoppers may feel sticker shock picking up a carton of eggs, which have nearly tripled in price at some stores over the past two months.
—Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 21 Feb. 2025
Yet some investors have questioned whether Walmart’s traction with affluent shoppers has staying power, especially if the sticker shock of inflation cools.
—Melissa Repko, CNBC, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sticker shock
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Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2025
Eating out or food delivery gave respondents the most sticker shock, according to the survey, followed by a tank of gas and prices for concerts or sporting events.
—Bryan Mena, CNN, 25 Feb. 2025
Charlotte-area grocery shoppers may feel sticker shock picking up a carton of eggs, which have nearly tripled in price at some stores over the past two months.
—Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 21 Feb. 2025
Yet some investors have questioned whether Walmart’s traction with affluent shoppers has staying power, especially if the sticker shock of inflation cools.
—Melissa Repko, CNBC, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sticker shock
Cite this Entry
“Sticker shock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sticker%20shock. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.
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