adjective

exorbitant

ig-ZOR-bih-tunt/ɪɡˈzɔːrbɪtənt/

Far higher than is reasonable.

The apple’s thousand-dollar price is exorbitant.

A customer recoils at a plain apple marked exactly $1000, clearly excessive price.

Etymology

exLatinout of

+orbitLatinwheel track

+antLatinpresent-participle ending

“Out of” and “wheel track” picture something straying from its proper course. The word first described deviation from rules or principles, then came to describe excessive amounts, including unreasonably high prices.

In context

ABC News In-depth27:13

spend exorbitant amounts of money to get less quality care

Exposing the mental health care system at breaking point | Four Corners Documentary

More examples

She refused to pay the exorbitant delivery fee.
The repair estimate seemed exorbitant compared with the car’s value.
They complained about exorbitant rents.

Forms

exorbitant · more exorbitant · most exorbitant

Similar words

excessive: Excessive is too much; exorbitant especially describes unreasonable prices or demands.
outrageous: Outrageous can condemn anything shocking; exorbitant specifically stresses excessive amounts or demands.