overpriced
oh-ver-PRYST
/ˌoʊ.vərˈpraɪst/
Too expensive; costing more than it is worth.
A subjective judgment that the value of the item does not justify the cost.
The story behind the word. A simple English compound. The prefix 'over-' has been used since Old English to denote excess. By the 1920s, 'overpriced' became a standard way to describe goods that exceeded their perceived value.
Word relationships
- exorbitant: Exorbitant implies a price that is much higher than what is reasonable or legal.
- dear: In British English, 'dear' is a common synonym for expensive.
- underpriced: Costing less than the actual value.
- affordable: Inexpensive enough for people to produce or buy.
Commonly confused with
- expensive: Something can be expensive but worth it; overpriced is always a negative judgment.
Word family
- overprice (verb): To charge too high a price for something.
Collocations
- grossly overpriced
- overpriced housing
- wildly overpriced
Example sentences
- "The popcorn at the movie theater is notoriously overpriced." A typical consumer complaint.
- "Analysts warned that the tech stocks were overpriced and due for a correction." An investment warning.
Memory hook
The price has gone 'over' the limit of what is fair. Too much money.
When not to use
In a formal business report, 'exorbitant' or 'above market value' might sound more professional.
Fun facts
- The 'Veblen effect' describes luxury goods that people buy specifically because they are overpriced, as a status symbol.
Explore more words
overestimate, extravagant, extravagance, overspend, overpopulated, substandard
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