sticker shock

American  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of sticker shock

sticker ( price ) + shock

Example Sentences

Americans weary of high prices have recently been able to count on cheap gasoline as a welcome offset for sticker shock at the grocery store and beyond.

From The Wall Street Journal

Consumers are encountering a new kind of sticker shock when buying a car.

From The Wall Street Journal

As older units tend to fail more often, repair costs are likely to rise each year, and a major breakdown could hit you with even bigger sticker shock.

From MarketWatch

These days, sticker shock doesn’t stop at the grocery store.

From The Wall Street Journal

Strong growth in the company’s core business units offset most of the sticker shock of its giant capex forecast.

From The Wall Street Journal