# extravagant

/ɛkˈstɹævəɡənt/ (US) · /ɛkstɹˈævəɡənt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/extravagant
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. spending too much

adjective · CEFR B2

spending much more money than is needed or than you can afford.

For teachers: lacking restraint in spending money or using resources; wasteful or prodigal.

- She had an extravagant lifestyle, buying expensive cars and designer clothes every month.
- The company's extravagant spending on executive travel eventually led to a significant budget deficit that required immediate restructuring.

### 2. costly or luxurious

adjective · CEFR B2

costing a lot of money and being very impressive or fancy.

For teachers: exceeding what is reasonable or appropriate in cost, luxury, or scale.

- The wedding was an extravagant affair with five hundred guests and a ten-course meal.
- The lobby was decorated in an extravagant style, featuring gold-leaf ceilings and massive crystal chandeliers that felt somewhat out of place.

### 3. extreme or exaggerated

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

going beyond what is reasonable or true; very extreme.

For teachers: exceeding the limits of reason, truth, or probability; exaggerated or unrestrained.

- The actor made extravagant claims about his importance to the film's success.
- The politician's extravagant promises during the campaign were met with skepticism by voters who understood the country's fiscal reality.

## Examples

- She bought an extravagant dress for the party.
- The company's extravagant spending on luxury travel led to a serious budget deficit by the end of the year.
- While the architecture was undeniably beautiful, many critics argued that such an extravagant monument was an insult to the impoverished citizens living in its shadow.

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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.