extravagance

noun

ex·​trav·​a·​gance ik-ˈstra-vi-gən(t)s 

1

a

: an instance of excess or prodigality

specifically : an excessive outlay of money

b

: something extravagant

a new car is an extravagance we can't afford

2

: the quality or fact of being extravagant

the extravagance of the decorations

Synonyms

• extravagancy
• lavishness
• prodigality
• profusion
• wastefulness

Examples of extravagance in a Sentence

The reorganization of the department was aimed at reducing extravagance.

That coat is an extravagance that you can't afford.

Going to the play will be our one extravagance for this vacation.

I was shocked by the extravagance of their lifestyle.

The church is known for the extravagance of its architecture.

Recent Examples on the Web

The days of royal extravagance—like those of Edward VII, whose favorite snack took eight hours to prepare—are long gone. —Simon Perry, People.com, 23 Oct. 2024

While renowned North American ski towns range from Stowe, Vermont to California’s Mammoth Lakes, few destinations can match the extravagance of Aspen. —Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024

The bling highlights not only the extravagance but also the versatility of vintage, 18th-century jewelry. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 24 Sep. 2024

Starbucks has become a store that sells fancy coffees that feel like an extravagance when consumers are struggling to pay for the basics—rent, mortgages, car insurance, and groceries. —Greg Petro, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1640, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

extravagance

noun

ex·​trav·​a·​gance ik-ˈstrav-i-gən(t)s 

1

a

: the wasteful or careless spending of money

b

: something that is extravagant

2

: the quality or fact of being extravagant