ENGLISH
REFERENCE

priceless

adj.
US //ˈpɹaɪsɫəs// UK //pɹˈaɪsləs// price·less
  1. 1 extremely valuable (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    so valuable that it is impossible to say how much it is worth.

    having a value beyond any price; inestimable or irreplaceable.

    Example

    The museum houses several priceless paintings by famous artists.

    Example

    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'.

  2. 2 very funny or absurd (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

    used to describe a situation or someone's reaction that is very funny or surprising.

    extremely amusing, absurd, or ridiculous; often used to describe a spontaneous reaction or a comical situation.

    Example

    You should have seen the look on his face when we shouted 'surprise'—it was priceless.

    Example

    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.

    Teacher's tip

    In this informal sense, the word often carries a touch of irony or mockery regarding someone's misfortune or mistake.
Origin

From price + -less (“lacking, without”).

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