Word
priceless
Phoneticsprice·less, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɹaɪsɫəs/
UK/pɹˈaɪsləs/
Definitions
01extremely valuable
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. so valuable that it is impossible to say how much it is worth.
adj. having a value beyond any price; inestimable or irreplaceable.
“The museum houses several priceless paintings by famous artists.”
“The family was relieved to recover the priceless heirlooms, which held a sentimental value far exceeding their market price.”
Pitfall
This ring is very cheap; it is priceless.
This ring is very cheap; it is worthless.
Priceless means something is so valuable you cannot buy it. If something has no value because it is poor quality, use 'worthless'.
Synonyms
02very funny or absurd
C1 · Advanced Informal
adj. used to describe a situation or someone's reaction that is very funny or surprising.
adj. extremely amusing, absurd, or ridiculous; often used to describe a spontaneous reaction or a comical situation.
“You should have seen the look on his face when we shouted 'surprise'—it was priceless.”
“The expression of pure bewilderment on the manager's face when the intern corrected his math was absolutely priceless.”
Usage
Often follows the verb 'to be' and is used as a predicative adjective.
Teaching tip
In this informal sense, the word often carries a touch of irony or mockery regarding someone's misfortune or mistake.
Real-World Examples
“He has the priceless ability to rise to the big occasions, as seen in his Man of the Match performances in every final (bar the last one) he’s played in.” “Photograph: Noah Thilemann/FC Nordsjælland Yirenkyi idolised Essien growing up and Essien’s words of wisdom were priceless.” Etymology
From price + -less (“lacking, without”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/priceless