Costly: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when referring to something that requires a large amount of money, especially in relation to its value or affordability.

• The repairs were costly, but necessary.
• His gambling habit turned out to be very costly.

General term for something requiring a lot of money, suitable for both formal and informal settings.

• She bought an expensive dress for the wedding.
• They live in an expensive area of the city.

Best used in informal contexts to describe items that feel too expensive relative to their perceived value.

• That new smartphone is pretty pricey.
• I think this restaurant is a bit too pricey for a casual dinner.

Use when highlighting that something has a high selling price, often used in commercial or retail contexts.

• The store specializes in high-priced electronic gadgets.
• They opted for high-priced wine at the restaurant.

Best applied when something is so expensive that it is unaffordable or prevents action.

• The proposal was abandoned because the necessary equipment was cost-prohibitive.
• Purchasing a house in this neighborhood is cost-prohibitive for most people.

Used when something requires a significant amount of money, often implying a consequence or sacrifice.

• The mistake was costly for the company.
• Launching a new product can be a costly endeavor.

Used when something has a high price and can be difficult for most people to afford. Generally used in everyday situations.

• This restaurant is really expensive.
• She bought an expensive dress for the party.

Used informally to describe something that has a higher price than expected or desired.

• That gadget is a bit pricey for what it does.
• The concert tickets were too pricey for us to buy.

Used to describe something that requires a large amount of money, often in technical or formal contexts.

• High-cost medical treatments can be a burden for many families.
• The high-cost of living in the city is driving people to move to the suburbs.

Used when something requires a lot of money in a way that might cause financial strain. Often used in formal contexts or discussions about financial impact.

• Sending children to private school can be financially demanding.
• The project is financially demanding and requires careful budgeting.