outrageous

adjective

out·​ra·​geous (ˌ)au̇t-ˈrā-jəs 

1

a

: exceeding the limits of what is usual

the outrageous weather we have been afflicted with

—New Yorker

outrageous prices

b

: not conventional or matter-of-fact : fantastic

outrageous costumes

an outrageous tale

2

: violent, unrestrained

outrageous behavior

3

a

: going beyond all standards of what is right or decent

an outrageous disregard of human rights

b

: deficient in propriety (see propriety sense 2a) or good taste

outrageous language

outrageous manners

outrageously adverb

outrageousness noun

Examples of outrageous in a Sentence

They will be punished for their outrageous behavior.

This is outrageous! I will not put up with such treatment.

She's known for her wild hairdos and outrageous costumes.

At first it seemed like an outrageous idea, but then we realized that it wasn't so crazy after all.

The article makes some outrageous claims about her personal life.

Recent Examples on the Web

Being this kind of standard-issue Democrat, doing great work in New York cleaning up the Hudson River, but then falling down these wormholes of conspiracy theories that are just honestly outrageous, unproven, and slightly crazy and dangerous. Slightly crazy and dangerous? —Sean Woods, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2024

Like just about everyone who’s pined for a dream outdoor space in recent years, Jessica Tran had heard horror stories about sky-high costs, outrageous timelines to finish the work and fierce competition to land a spot on a contractor’s schedule — or even get a call back. —Rachel Kurzius, Washington Post, 2 Apr. 2024

And Mink would remain a totally offbeat, outrageous presence in counterculture films for the next five decades. —Daniel Scheffler, SPIN, 1 Apr. 2024

On Monday, companies are taking the opportunity to trick customers with outrageous flavors and over-the-top collaborations in the spirit of April Fools’ Day. —Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 1 Apr. 2024

Equally as outrageous is the street-legal speed machine’s supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 which pumps more than 800 horses. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 29 Mar. 2024

His silhouettes are not necessarily the most outrageous. —Guy Trebay, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2024

Gilmore goes on to become a golf legend, but his outrageous temperament and untraditional style catches the ire of golf pro Shooter McGavin (McDonald). —Alli Rosenbloom, CNN, 22 Mar. 2024

McGregor’s cheeky performance (his first scene is hysterical) leads to a cacophony of bloody, outrageous fights with Brandt. —Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 20 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

outrageous

adjective

out·​ra·​geous au̇t-ˈrā-jəs 

: extremely annoying, insulting, or shameful : shocking

outrageously adverb

outrageousness noun

Legal Definition

outrageous

adjective

out·​ra·​geous au̇t-ˈrā-jəs 

: going beyond standards of decency : utterly intolerable in a civilized society

outrageous conduct

outrageously adverb

outrageousness noun