extortionate

If a shop charges an extortionate amount for something simple, like $50 for a bottle of water after a concert, it means the price is shockingly and unfairly high. It's more than just expensive; it feels like they are taking advantage of you. The word often suggests unfair pressure, a lack of choice, or a situation where people feel forced to pay. You would not usually describe a luxury item as extortionate just because it is expensive, but you might say rent in a booming city is becoming extortionate.

The word extortionate describes something—usually a price or demand—that is unreasonably high and unfair, often exploiting a vulnerable situation. It goes beyond simply being expensive; it implies an element of injustice or taking advantage of someone's desperation. The root of the word comes from "extort," meaning to obtain by force or threats, giving extortionate a slightly darker edge.

You'll most commonly encounter extortionate when discussing costs—like rent, interest rates, or fees. For example: "The landlord was charging an extortionate rent for the tiny apartment," or "The bank offered him a loan with extortionate interest rates." It suggests that the price is so high it's almost predatory.

While often used in financial contexts, extortionate can also describe demands beyond money. A boss demanding unreasonable hours and effort could be accused of making extortionate requests.

It's a strong word, implying not just a high cost but an ethical problem—a situation where someone is being unfairly exploited. So if something feels shockingly overpriced and unjust, chances are it's extortionate.