price gouging

American  

[prahys gou-jing] / ˈpraɪs ˌgaʊ dʒɪŋ /

noun

1. an act or instance of charging customers too high a price for goods or services, especially when demand is high and supplies are limited.

   The law prohibits price gouging during weather emergencies such as snowstorms.

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Other Word Forms

• price gouger
  noun
• price gouge
  verb (used with or without object)
• price-gouge
  verb (used with or without object)

Etymology

Origin of price gouging

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

“Because of this, charging inflated prices on necessities is considered price gouging and profiteering against vulnerable incarcerated population who have no ability to refuse or shop elsewhere.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 1, 2026

The industry has denied price gouging, arguing it was a classic case of supply and demand, where limited supply and high demand lead to higher prices.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 30, 2026

Nevertheless, many believed the situation was an excuse to engage price gouging.

From Salon • Jun. 3, 2026

Woolworths and Coles, which account for two-thirds of the Australian market, have come under increasing scrutiny in the past year over alleged price gouging and anti-competitive practices.

From BBC • May 14, 2026

When he heard the story, Hiatt said, “Looks like price gouging to me.”

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French