outrageous
owt-RAYD-zhuhs
Outrageous (adj) means Shockingly excessive, unacceptable, or unjust. Example: “The price they charged for parking was outrageous.”
adj
1
Shockingly excessive, unacceptable, or unjust.
"The price they charged for parking was outrageous."
"She was fired for making outrageous claims about her boss."
"Charging that much for a bottle of water seems outrageous to me."
2
Bold and flamboyant, in a way that draws attention.
"He's known for his outrageous fashion sense."
"The singer arrived at the party in an outrageous feathered coat."
"Her outrageous sense of humour made everyone at the table laugh."
How to use outrageous
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSo extreme it shocks or offends — whether that's a price, a claim, or an outfit.
Common pairings
outrageous price
outrageous behavior
outrageous claim
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more outrageous
- Superlative
- most outrageous
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The price they charged for parking was _____.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman outrageus, built on outrage + -ous.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for outrageous
See all rhymes for outrageous →Frequently asked questions
What does “outrageous” mean?
The word “outrageous” means shockingly excessive, unacceptable, or unjust. In plain terms, so extreme it shocks or offends — whether that's a price, a claim, or an outfit.
How do you pronounce “outrageous”?
“Outrageous” is pronounced owt-RAYD-zhuhs (/aʊtˈɹeɪd͡ʒəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “outrageous” in a sentence?
Here is “outrageous” used in a sentence: “The price they charged for parking was outrageous.”
What is another word for “outrageous”?
Words with a similar meaning to “outrageous” include preposterous.
What part of speech is “outrageous”?
“Outrageous” is an adjective.
Where does the word “outrageous” come from?
The word “outrageous” comes from Anglo-Norman. From Anglo-Norman outrageus, built on outrage + -ous.
Is “outrageous” a common word?
“Outrageous” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “outrageous” have?
“Outrageous” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: shockingly excessive, unacceptable, or unjust.
What is the difference between outrageous and outraged?
Outrageous describes something that is shockingly excessive, unacceptable, or attention-grabbing, while outraged describes a person's feeling of anger in reaction to something. A price can be outrageous, and a customer who sees it can feel outraged.
Can outrageous be used as a compliment?
Yes. Beyond describing something unjust, outrageous can also describe behavior, fashion, or style that is bold and flamboyant in a way that draws attention, which is often meant positively, as in an outrageous performance.
Is outrageous a formal or informal word?
Outrageous works in both formal and informal contexts. It can describe a serious injustice in formal writing or an eye-catching outfit in casual conversation, with the surrounding tone signaling which sense is meant.
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