# priceless

/ˈpɹaɪsɫəs/ (US) · /pɹˈaɪsləs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/priceless
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. extremely valuable

adjective · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. very funny or absurd

adjective · CEFR C1 · Informal

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The museum houses several priceless paintings by famous artists.
- The look of pure joy on her face when she saw the surprise was absolutely priceless.
- While the physical materials of the crown jewels are worth millions, their historical significance to the nation makes them truly priceless and irreplaceable.

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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.