extravagance

American  

[ik-strav-uh-guhns] / ɪkˈstræv ə gəns /

noun

1. excessive or unnecessary expenditure or outlay of money.

   Antonyms:

   frugality

2. an instance of this.

   That sports car is an inexcusable extravagance.

3. unrestrained or fantastic excess, as of actions or opinions.

   Synonyms:

   profusion, lavishness

4. an extravagant action, notion, etc..

   the extravagances one commits in moments of stress.

---

extravagance British  

/ ɪkˈstrævəɡəns /

noun

1. excessive outlay of money; wasteful spending

2. immoderate or absurd speech or behaviour

---

Etymology

Origin of extravagance

1635–45; < French, Middle French; extravagant, -ance

Example Sentences

Trust that if you’ve never enjoyed your eggs with such extravagance and complexity, it will change your palate for the better.

From Salon

The former first lady, now 60, gained a reputation, and criticism, over the years for her alleged appetite for shopping and extravagance, earning her the moniker "Gucci Grace".

From BBC

When protests broke out to oust the Shah, she showed up for her community, a tightknit cluster of graduate students who were frustrated by his extravagance and tyranny.

From The Wall Street Journal

There was eloquent solo playing in the orchestra, and extravagance from the solo singers.

From Los Angeles Times

He says most buyers are not chasing extravagance as much as efficiency.

From BBC

Related Words

• absurdity
• exaggeration
• excess
• luxury
• squandering