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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Here’s why Despite the sticker shock on staples, grocery price inflation (at 1.6% annually) is still running below the overall CPI rate. Alicia Wallace, CNN, 11 Dec. 2024 New York City has never been a budget destination, but many travelers are experiencing sticker shock over the high cost of a night at a hotel, especially as the peak holiday tourism season begins. Matthew Haag, New York Times, 24 Nov. 2024 Across the Twin Cities, tax bills are giving many homeowners sticker shock. Kyle Stokes, Axios, 9 Dec. 2024 Drone manufacturers, operating on tight margins, often experience sticker shock when comparing costs to conventional Chinese batteries. Jaehee Sweeney, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sticker shock 

Word History

First Known Use

1981, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sticker shock was in 1981

Dictionary Entries Near sticker shock

Cite this Entry

“Sticker shock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sticker%20shock. Accessed 9 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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