Word
gouging
Phoneticsgoug·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɡaʊdʒɪŋ/
UK/ɡˈaʊdʒɪŋ/
Definition
v. to cut a deep hole or groove in something with a sharp tool. You also use it when a seller charges far too much money for something people need.
v. to cut or scoop out a groove, hole, or channel with force; to overcharge or cheat by demanding an unfair price.
Examples
“They are gouging customers with very high bread prices.”
“After the storm, some shops started gouging residents by doubling the price of bottled water.”
“Investigators accused the supplier of gouging hospitals during the shortage, charging triple rates for gloves while claiming rising costs.”
Examples
simple
“They are gouging customers with very high bread prices.”
contextual
“After the storm, some shops started gouging residents by doubling the price of bottled water.”
complex
“Investigators accused the supplier of gouging hospitals during the shortage, charging triple rates for gloves while claiming rising costs.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “gouging” in context.
Verb
01. accuse of gouging
“Shoppers accused the chain of gouging on bottled water.”
verb + prep + noun
02. condemn gouging
“Consumer groups strongly condemned gouging by fuel retailers.”
verb + noun
03. gouging harms
“Systematic gouging harms low-income consumers most.”
noun + verb
04. gouging persists
“Despite heavy fines, gouging persists in some tourist areas.”
noun + verb
Adjective
05. blatant gouging
“The pharmacy was fined for blatant gouging during the shortage.”
adj + noun
06. illegal gouging
“The state promised to punish illegal gouging after the hurricane.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. accusation of gouging
“The company denied the accusation of gouging after the storm.”
noun + prep + noun
08. act of gouging
“Raising prices tenfold was a deliberate act of gouging.”
noun + prep + noun
09. crack down on price gouging
“Authorities promised to crack down on price gouging after the flood.”
10. gouging customers during crisis
“It is unethical to profit by gouging customers during a crisis.”
11. gouging out eyes
“The sharp branch came close to gouging out his eyes.”
12. laws against price gouging
“Several states have introduced strict laws against price gouging.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object, often followed by 'out' for the cutting sense.
Real-World Examples
“On Wednesday, the company called on Congress to enact legislation aimed at prohibiting price gouging during national emergencies.” “The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected Maryland's bid to revive a law aimed at preventing price gouging by pharmaceutical companies, dealing a setback to the power of states to rein in prescription drug costs.” “Tang hopes this will deter shops from trying to gouge customers, which some are presently doing by charging prices up to HK$10 a piece, despite some pharmacies handing out masks for free.” Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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