outrageous
Extremely shocking, unreasonable, or unacceptable. It describes something that goes far beyond what is considered normal, decent, or fair, often in a way that causes surprise or offense.
Use 'outrageous' to describe things that are shockingly unacceptable, unfair, or unreasonable.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Extremely shocking, unreasonable, or unacceptable.
- Expresses strong disapproval and surprise.
- Used for actions, prices, statements, and situations.
Summary
Use 'outrageous' to describe things that are shockingly unacceptable, unfair, or unreasonable.
- Extremely shocking, unreasonable, or unacceptable.
- Expresses strong disapproval and surprise.
- Used for actions, prices, statements, and situations.
Emphasize the Unacceptability
Use 'outrageous' when you want to strongly emphasize that something is not just bad, but shockingly unfair or unreasonable.
Avoid Overuse for Minor Issues
While it can be used humorously, avoid calling every minor inconvenience 'outrageous,' as it can lessen the impact of the word when used for truly unacceptable situations.
Expressing Disbelief and Anger
In many English-speaking cultures, 'outrageous' is a common way to express shock, disbelief, and anger when faced with perceived injustice or extreme excess.
Examples
4 of 4The cost of living in the city has become absolutely outrageous.
It is outrageous that some companies exploit loopholes to avoid paying taxes.
Can you believe they charged us $10 for a small coffee? That's outrageous!
The study highlighted the outrageous disparity in wealth distribution.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Imagine someone shouting 'Out! Rage! Us!' because they feel unfairly treated and believe the situation is shockingly unacceptable for them.
Overview
The word 'outrageous' describes something that is shockingly bad, unfair, or unacceptable. It implies a strong sense of disapproval and often suggests that something has crossed a line of decency or reasonableness. It's a powerful adjective used to express strong negative feelings about a situation, action, or statement.
Usage Patterns
'Outrageous' is typically used to describe actions, behavior, prices, statements, or situations that are seen as extreme and unacceptable. It can be used both seriously to condemn something and sometimes humorously to exaggerate a minor inconvenience or a surprising event. The tone can range from genuine anger and disbelief to playful hyperbole.
Common Contexts: You'll often hear 'outrageous' used in discussions about:
- Prices: “The hotel charged an outrageous price for a bottle of water.”
- Behavior: “His outrageous behavior at the party got him kicked out.”
- Injustice: "It's outrageous that they're making people work without pay."
- Statements: “The politician made some outrageous claims during the debate.”
- Fashion/Art: Sometimes used to describe something that is very unusual or unconventional in a daring way, though still often with a hint of surprise.
Similar Words Comparison:
- Shocking: Similar in that it causes surprise or distress, but 'shocking' can be neutral or even positive (e.g., a shocking plot twist). 'Outrageous' almost always carries a negative connotation of unfairness or unacceptability.
- Unbelievable: Can be used for both positive and negative extremes. 'Outrageous' specifically points to something being unacceptable or unreasonable.
- Scandalous: Implies moral disapproval and often involves public disgrace. 'Outrageous' is broader and can apply to things that are simply unfair or excessive, not necessarily immoral.
- Absurd: Suggests something is illogical or ridiculous. While something outrageous can be absurd, 'outrageous' emphasizes the negative impact or unfairness more strongly.
Usage Notes
This word carries a strong negative connotation, indicating something that goes beyond acceptable limits. It's often used to express anger, indignation, or disbelief. While it can be used in formal settings to condemn actions or policies, it's also common in informal speech to express strong reactions to everyday events like high prices.
Common Mistakes
Avoid using 'outrageous' for things that are merely surprising or slightly inconvenient; reserve it for situations that are genuinely shocking, unfair, or unreasonable. Ensure the context clearly supports the idea of unacceptable excess.
Memory Tip
Imagine someone shouting 'Out! Rage! Us!' because they feel unfairly treated and believe the situation is shockingly unacceptable for them.
Word Origin
The word 'outrageous' comes from the Old French word 'outrageux,' meaning 'excessive' or 'violent.' It derives from 'outrage,' meaning 'excess' or 'injury,' which itself comes from the Latin 'ultraticum,' meaning 'beyond.'
Cultural Context
In English-speaking cultures, expressing outrage is a common response to perceived injustice, corruption, or extreme unfairness. The word 'outrageous' provides a strong lexical tool to articulate this societal disapproval.
Examples
The cost of living in the city has become absolutely outrageous.
everydayIt is outrageous that some companies exploit loopholes to avoid paying taxes.
formalCan you believe they charged us $10 for a small coffee? That's outrageous!
informalThe study highlighted the outrageous disparity in wealth distribution.
academicWord Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
outrageous fortune
outrageous conduct
Often Confused With
'Shocking' simply means causing surprise or distress. Something can be shocking without being unfair or unreasonable. 'Outrageous' specifically implies that the shock comes from something being unacceptable or violating norms.
'Ridiculous' means absurd or laughable. While an outrageous situation might also be ridiculous, 'outrageous' focuses more on the unfairness or unacceptability, whereas 'ridiculous' focuses on the lack of sense or logic.
Grammar Patterns
Emphasize the Unacceptability
Use 'outrageous' when you want to strongly emphasize that something is not just bad, but shockingly unfair or unreasonable.
Avoid Overuse for Minor Issues
While it can be used humorously, avoid calling every minor inconvenience 'outrageous,' as it can lessen the impact of the word when used for truly unacceptable situations.
Expressing Disbelief and Anger
In many English-speaking cultures, 'outrageous' is a common way to express shock, disbelief, and anger when faced with perceived injustice or extreme excess.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to complete the sentence.
The taxi fare for such a short distance was completely ____.
'Outrageous' fits best because it describes a price that is shockingly high and unreasonable.
Which sentence uses 'outrageous' correctly?
Which of the following best describes an 'outrageous' situation?
Option 'c' directly aligns with the meaning of 'outrageous' as shockingly unfair or unreasonable.
Arrange the words to form a grammatically correct sentence using 'outrageous'.
build a sentence with: was / the / price / movie / ticket / for / outrageous / the
This sentence is concise and uses 'outrageous' correctly to describe the high price of the movie ticket.
Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsWhile 'outrageous' almost always implies something negative, it can sometimes be used humorously or to describe something extremely impressive or unconventional in a surprising way, like 'outrageous talent' or 'outrageous success.' However, its core meaning remains linked to exceeding acceptable limits.
'Terrible' means very bad or unpleasant. 'Outrageous' is stronger and specifically means shockingly bad, unfair, or unreasonable, implying a violation of norms or expectations.
'Outrageous' can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its strong meaning makes it suitable for expressing serious disapproval, but it's also commonly used in everyday conversation to describe surprising or excessive things.
Commonly described as outrageous are things like extremely high prices, unfair decisions, shocking behavior, or unbelievable statements that violate common sense or fairness.
