# exorbitant

/ɪɡˈzɔɹbɪtənt/ (US) · /ɛɡzˈɔːbɪtənt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/exorbitant
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

describing a price or amount of money that is much too high and unfair. You use it when something costs far more than it should.

For teachers: exceeding the bounds of custom, propriety, or reason, especially regarding price or cost. Often used predicatively after 'be' or 'seem' to criticise a financial demand.

## Examples

- The hotel charged an exorbitant price for a bottle of water.
- Many residents were forced to move out of the city center because of the exorbitant rent increases.
- While the technology was undeniably groundbreaking, the exorbitant licensing fees prevented smaller firms from adopting it, effectively stifling competition within the industry for several years.

## Usage notes

- Typically modifies nouns related to money, such as 'price', 'fee', 'rent', or 'cost'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.