sticker shock

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of sticker shock¹

sticker ( price ) + shock

Example Sentences

Tap into the best features of a SteelSeries headset without the sticker shock.

From Popular-Science

The surge in travelers resulted in long lines at national parks, sold-out tickets to attractions, and sticker shock at rental car counters.

From Outside Online

It took a lot of time to get the ball rolling, and of course there was sticker shock.

From Washington Post

Instead of sticker shock, consumers are getting delivery shock.

From Washington Post

But that's still a pretty hefty sticker shock, and obviously, a lot more than I had been paying as an employee.

From The Daily Beast

All women who take time off to mother their children face similar sticker-shock when they decide to work again.

From The Daily Beast