Meaning & Definition of word "Costly"

Costly

/ˈkɒstli/

adjective:

  • 1. involving much expense; high-priced; expensive.
    • Example: The renovations to the old house proved to be quite costly.
  • 2. resulting in a high price or penalty; detrimental or harmful.
    • Example: His costly mistake in the stock market led to significant financial losses.
  • 3. involving a significant investment of time, effort, or resources.
    • Example: The project turned out to be more costly in terms of time than the team had anticipated.

Etymology

Middle English, from cost + -ly

Common Phrases and Expressions

costly mistake:

A mistake that results in a significant loss or expense.

costly affair:

An event or situation that is very expensive.

costly venture:

A business investment or project that is expensive to undertake.

Related Words

cost:

The price paid for something.

expense:

The cost incurred in the process of doing something.

affordability:

The state of being affordable, or within one's financial means.

Slang Meanings of costly

Meaning: Ballin'

Example Sentence: He really is ballin' with that costly new car.

Meaning: Bling-bling

Example Sentence: That outfit is pure bling-bling, super costly!