Word
stratospheric
Phoneticsstrato·spher·ic
US/ˌstɹætəsˈfɪɹɪk/
UK/stɹˌætəsfˈɛɹɪk/
Definition
adj. extremely high — much higher than normal. You use it for things like prices or levels that shoot up very fast.
adj. relating to the stratosphere, the upper layer of Earth's atmosphere. In extended use, describes levels, prices, or amounts that are extremely high.
Examples
“House prices in the city reach stratospheric levels.”
“After the product launch, demand sends the company's share price to stratospheric heights.”
“What began as modest growth in the housing market turned stratospheric within a decade, leaving first-time buyers priced out of neighbourhoods their parents had once afforded easily.”
Examples
simple
“House prices in the city reach stratospheric levels.”
contextual
“After the product launch, demand sends the company's share price to stratospheric heights.”
complex
“What began as modest growth in the housing market turned stratospheric within a decade, leaving first-time buyers priced out of neighbourhoods their parents had once afforded easily.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “stratospheric” in context.
Verb
01. become stratospheric
“Transfer fees became stratospheric after the new TV deal.”
verb + adj
02. go stratospheric
“London house prices went stratospheric in the 2010s.”
verb + adj
03. push to stratospheric
“Speculation pushed prices to stratospheric levels.”
verb + prep + adj
04. remain stratospheric
“Despite new policies, rents remain stratospheric in major cities.”
verb + adj
05. rise to stratospheric
“Average rents have risen to stratospheric levels this year.”
verb + prep + adj
Adjective
06. absolutely stratospheric
“House prices in the capital are absolutely stratospheric right now.”
adv + adj
07. almost stratospheric
“Rents in this neighbourhood are almost stratospheric.”
adv + adj
08. command stratospheric salaries
“Premier League stars command stratospheric salaries.”
09. nothing short of stratospheric
“Demand for concert tickets was nothing short of stratospheric.”
10. pay stratospheric rents
“Graduates pay stratospheric rents to live near work.”
11. reach stratospheric levels
“House prices have reached stratospheric levels in recent years.”
12. remain at stratospheric levels
“Interest rates remain at stratospheric levels for borrowers.”
Real-World Examples
“Brazil's Environment Minister, Joao Paulo Capobianco, described the decline in Amazon deforestation as "absolutely stratospheric".” “In the last 15 years, she has gone from respected actor to stratospheric, garlanded star.” “Instead, in pursuit of AGI, a competitive edge, and stratospheric profits, the hyperscalers have gone full speed ahead.” “Sevilla went a goal up and were as good as anyone against Flick’s side so far this season but in the end just couldn’t live with them, coach Luis García calling them “stratospheric”.” Etymology
From stratosphere + -ic (suffix meaning ‘of or pertaining to’ forming adjectives from nouns).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
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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