sticker shock

American  

noun

1. unpleasant surprise on learning of an unexpectedly high price for an item.

---

Etymology

Origin of sticker shock

sticker ( price ) + shock

Example Sentences

Sticker shock is part of the nuclear tradition.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

Sticker shock is hitting car buyers as the U.S. broadly faces what many consider to be a growing affordability crisis.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 25, 2025

Sticker shock: These pants are $20,000 — and secondhand.

From New York Times • Mar. 27, 2023

Adding up: Sticker shock for Jewish parents in Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 31, 2017

Sticker shock: Brent grew up in Chevy Chase.

From Washington Post • Mar. 3, 2016