costly

[kawst-lee, kost-]

adjective

costlier, costliest 

1. costing much; expensive; high in price.

   a costly emerald bracelet; costly medical care.

   Synonyms: high-priced, dear

2. resulting in great expense.

   The upkeep of such a large house is costly.

3. resulting in great detriment.

   It was a costly mistake because no one ever trusted him again.

4. of great value; very valuable; sumptuous.

5. lavish; extravagant.

costly

/ ˈkɒstlɪ /

adjective

1. of great price or value; expensive

2. entailing great loss or sacrifice

   a costly victory

3. splendid; lavish

Other Word Forms

• costliness noun
• overcostliness noun
• overcostly adjective
• uncostly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of costly¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, costly is from the Middle English word costli. See cost, -ly

Synonym Study

See expensive.

Example Sentences

Rod's prediction: We've played both these teams recently, and conceded costly late goals against both of them!

From BBC

In his concluding chapter, “War for War’s Sake,” Daddis underscores the stubborn commitment to war that prevails among many Americans, despite the costly and disastrous wars of this century.

From Salon

“Ending it removes a costly perk that slowed carpools without helping the climate,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Payouts were too small to pay for their costlier, custom rebuilds.

From Los Angeles Times

Consumers would also have a way to quickly cancel their Prime membership without it being “difficult, costly, or time-consuming.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• catastrophic 
• disastrous 
• ruinous